DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 9 -- IRISH potato prices at Dar es Salaams Mabibo wholesale market have surged by up to 31 per cent, squeezing traders and consumers as declining supplies, higher farm-gate prices and transport costs push up costs across the value chain.

A spot check by the ‘Daily News at the market, popularly known as ‘Mahakama ya Ndizi, found that a 100-kilogramme sack was selling for between 85,000/- and 95,000/-, up from 65,000/- to 75,000/- last month and during the same period last year.

The increase represents 30.8 per cent at the lower end and 26.7 per cent at the upper end. Mabibo Market Chairman of the potatoes and onions section, Mwinshumu Saidi, said prices had risen steadily as supplies from producing areas d...