The demand for these products has recently gone up following preventive measures announced by the Government.

Among the measures includes a two-week lockdown that prevents people from making unnecessary movements.

A few days ago, the ministry launched inspections at various markets and shops around the country and it has been found that some traders are taking advantage of the Covid-19 outbreak to unlawfully price hikes for essential products.

A new statement urges businesses to refrain from the use of substandard weighing scales and from selling expired goods as well as avoid interfering with the work of trade inspectors.

The ministry publicly posted a list of a variety of food products and sanitary essentials as well as their prices and qualities, which it said should be respected across different markets and shops.

This includes rice, beans, maize flour, cooking oil, cassava flour, Irish potato, green banana, sugar, gloves, face masks, and hand sanitizers, among others.

The statement also called for consumers to provide information on abnormal price increases to enable the ministry to take necessary measures.

“Anyone found to be in violation of this announcement shall be punished in accordance with the law,” the statement reads in part.

At least 24 businesses were fined worth Rwf1.68 million and while others were temporarily suspended after they were found to have inflated prices of foodstuffs and other essential products.