Veges prices climb in March amid supply strain

DAR ES SALAAM: WHOLESALE prices of vegetables across major markets in Dar es Salaam recorded mixed trends between February and March 2026, with a general upward movement indicating emerging supply pressures in the food market.

The report released by Tanzania Trade Development authority (Tantrade) mentioned market such as Mabibo, Temeke, Tandale, Buguruni, Ilala and Tandika.

Data show that several key vegetables registered notable price increases in March compared to February, driven largely by seasonal factors, supply chain constraints and rising demand.

Among the most significant increases was observed in tomatoes, where the price per box jumped from 60,000/- in February to 80,000/- in March, equivalent to a sharp 33 per cent rise.

This suggests a possible shortage in supply, often linked to weather conditions affecting production or distribution challenges. In economic terms, such a spike directly impacts household food expenditure, as tomatoes are a staple ingredient in most local meals.

Similarly, green pepper prices increased by 25 per cent, from 2,000/- to 2,500/- per kilogramme. This reflects tightening supply and rising demand, particularly from urban consumers and the hospitality sector. Carrots also recorded a 12 per cent increase, rising from 130,000/- to 145,000/- per 100 kilogramme, indicating higher transportation or production costs being passed on to buyers.

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Okra (bamia) prices rose by 11.0 per cent, from 65,000/- to 72,000/- per 50kg, while spring onions increased by 9.0 per cent, reaching 250,000/- from 230,000/- per 100kg. These moderate increases point to gradual supply constraints rather than acute shortages.

According to data, some commodities remained stable. Eggplants and green peas recorded no price changes, maintaining prices of 90,000/- and 180,000/- per 100 kg respectively.

Likewise, “nyanya chungu” prices remained unchanged at 70,000/- per 40 kg. Stability in these items suggests relatively balanced supply and demand conditions during the period. Analysts have it that the overall increase in vegetable prices signals inflationary pressure within the food sector, which can reduce consumers’ purchasing power, particularly for low- and middle-income households.

Rising prices may also indicate inefficiencies in the supply chain, including transport costs, weather variability or limited storage facilities. They said sharp price increases such as those seen in tomatoes highlight vulnerability in key food supply systems, while stable prices in other crops suggest areas of relative resilience.

“For traders and farmers, higher prices can mean improved incomes; however, for consumers, they translate into higher living costs,” the businessman Mr Khalid Athuman of Mabibo market said.

He said if the trend continues, it may contribute to broader food inflation, highlighted the need for improved agricultural planning, better infrastructure and enhanced market coordination to stabilise prices and ensure food affordability.