Kinshasa, December 17th, 2025 (CPA).- A 16% increase in the price of a 15-kilogram net of onions from the city of Boma, in the province of Kongo Central (south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo), was observed on Wednesday in the markets of Kinshasa, the country’s capital. « A 15-kilogram net of onions from the town of Boma in Kongo Central province has seen a price increase from 30,000 to 35,000 FC, or about US$15 (at a rate of 2,300 FC to the dollar), representing a 16% increase in Kinshasa markets during the period from November 24th to December 17th, » said Charlène Litoli, an ingredient seller at the Zigida market in the commune of Kinshasa. According to her, this product, along with other staple foods, has seen a price increase due to its scarcity linked to its seasonal nature, as well as increased transport costs and additional expenses in production areas to consumption centers. She also indicated that during the same period, certain products also saw a price increase.
These include a net of chilies, which rose from CDF 200,000 to CDF 300,000, a crate of peppers from Kongo Central, which was selling for CDF 90,000 and now sells for CDF 200,000, and a crate of eggplants, known as « Solo « , which has gone from CDF 75,000 to CDF 120,000. A crate of plum tomatoes from Kimpese (Kongo Central), currently at CDF 90,000 FC compared to CDF 70,000 previously, a bag of cucumbers, which has gone from CDF 170,000 to CDF 180,000, a net of garlic, which has gone from CDF 55,000 to CDF 60,000, and a net of onions from Europe, which has gone from CDF 75,000 to CDF 95,000.
According to her, certain staple foods have, on the other hand, seen a decrease in price due to their abundance linked to their seasonal nature, but also thanks to the appreciation of the Congolese franc across the country.
These include a bunch of chives, commonly known as ‘Ndembi’, from the town of Kimwenza in the commune of Mont-Ngafula, sold at CDF 55,000 compared to CDF 60,000 previously; a bunch of celery from the Bateke plateau, which has fallen from CDF 15,000 to CDF 4,000. A box of 36 ‘Jumbo simple’ cigarettes, which has fallen from CDF 6,000 to CDF 5,500; a carton of tinned tomatoes of the ‘Lion’ brand, currently trading at CDF 38,000 compared to CDF 43,000 previously; and a bag of cloves imported from China, which has fallen from CDF 100,000 to CDF 95,000. ACP/