A decrease in the supply of bell peppers in Dar es Salaam has pushed prices up. Market data shows that wholesale prices for an 80-kilo bag of bell peppers increased to between Sh80,000 - 85,000 (€30.00-31.90) on September 21 from Sh50,000 - 60,000 (€18.75-22.50) recorded at the end of July.
At the same time, the retail price for a bunch of five to ten bell peppers increased from Sh1,500 to Sh2,000 during the period under review.
Stakeholders attributed the shortage at various city markets to decreased supply of the product from northern Tanzania, particularly Kilimanjaro and Arusha, where the bulk of bell peppers consumed in Dar es Salaam are produced.
Mr Omary Mangilie, the secretary at Temeke Stereo market, said there is a decrease in supply of bell peppers in the market: "Water shortage during this period of the year in many parts of the country has affected bell pepper farming." He added that seasonal rains that will start in the next few months will stimulate production.
Source: allafrica.com