Transport costs for plantains to Dar es Salaam have jumped 7.1 per cent to 3 million shillings per truckload from 2.8 million shillings last month, as fuel prices climb. The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority said petrol rose to 4,057 shillings per litre on October 7 from 3,796 shillings in September, while diesel increased to 4,086 shillings from 3,877 shillings.
Geofrey Kimeme, director of Daima Wajibika, a transport operator at Mabibo Market, said fuel costs were the main driver of transport charges. He explained that rates also depend on produce supply, truck demand and whether lorries can secure return cargo. Transport charges per bunch have risen to 8,000 shillings from 7,500 shillings.
Plantains mostly come from Mbeya Region, with smaller quantities from Kilimanjaro and Morogoro. A single lorry carrying 19 to 20 tonnes can transport around 450 bunches, with up to 12 vehicles arriving daily during peak seasons. Wholesale prices range from 10,000 to 35,000 shillings per bunch depending on variety, size and quality.
Anitha Samweli, who runs a small restaurant in Kigogo, said plantains remain in steady demand because they are versatile. She uses them to prepare soup and mtori, a traditional banana-based dish, and can also roast or fry them. She typically buys five to six bunches every three days.