DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 16 -- RISING fuel prices have increased cooking banana (plantain) transport costs to Dar es Salaam, squeezing traders margins and threatening to push up consumer prices. Transporting a truckload now costs 3m/-, up from 2.8m/- last month, a 7.1 per cent increase.

Daima Wajibika Director, Geofrey Kimeme whose company operates at Mabibo Market told the Daily News yesterday that fuel prices, produce supply, truck demand and return cargo availability determine transport charges.

“We depend on two types of cargo, agricultural produce, such as plantain, and shop goods, including flour, steel bars and other merchandise,” he said.

Mr Kimeme explained that transport costs also depend on whether lorries could secur...