Prices of beer in various retail outlets in Dar es Salaam have gone up by between 100/- and 200/- per bottle, since last Saturday.
A survey by ‘Daily News’ that covered several bars in Mabibo, Kimara, Temeke, National Stadium, Mbezi Beach, Buguruni and Ubungo areas saw locally brewed beer selling at between 1,700/- and 1,800/- each instead of 1,600/-.
The rise caused chaos between maids and patrons as many people were not aware of the changes. Mr Denis Fussi, one of the customers, told the ‘Daily News’ that after drinking four beers at Kimara Meeting Pub he was asked to pay an extra 200/- for each bottle and refused.
“I decided to go to the nearby Ndafu Bar, where I took two beers but they also told me the same story. I refused to pay because they didn’t tell me before,” said Fussi. Mr Fussi said after moving to the next bar, Wafalme Bar, he was told that the prices were up because the prices in the wholesale outlets had also soared.
A bar owner at Mbezi Beach who preferred anonymity confirmed that they bought a crate of beer at between 27,500/- and 30,500/- instead of 24,500/- and 26,000/-. “The prices have gone up for all beers, we don’t know the reasons but as traders, we can’t sell below the buying price, it’s a simple business rule,” she noted.
Beer prices usually soar by 50/- after every July, after the budget. But the current rise has surprised many boozers leading to confusion in bars and pubs. Brewing companies have also failed to notify clients on the changes. In his last budget speech in June, last year, the Minister for Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr Mustafa Mkulo, increased tax for beer made from local un-malted cereals from 226/- to 249/- per litre (an increase of 23/-) and other beers from 382/- to 420/- per litre (an increase of 38/-).
When contacted for comments, both Tanzania Breweries Limited (TBL) and Serengeti Breweries Ltd (SBL) spokespersons said that they were not aware of the changes. TBL Corporate Affairs Director Steve Kilindo said the company had not increased the prices. “We are not aware about that issue. Please give me some time to check with my colleagues in the distribution channels,” he said.
“I am surprised to hear that because we have not made any announcement about new prices. All our beers are sold at normal 24,000/- per crate and 1,500/- per bottle,” said SBL Corporate Relations Director, Ms Teddy Mapunda. Ms Mapunda called on traders to respect the prices and vowed to make follow-up on the matter.
Most of the barmaids interviewed by this newspaper said that they had been directed by their bosses on the new prices. When contacted for comment whether the government has started getting taxes under the prices, the Acting Director of Taxpayer Services and Education, Mr Allan Kiula, said he was not aware of the rise.
The Minister for Industry and Trade, Dr Cyril Chami, was surprised to hear that increase especially now when there is no major reason to do that. “Although it is a free market economy but there is no any major policy change or increase in taxes, why should they do that (increase)?” queried Dr Chami.
The minister said in his quick spot check he talked with three beer dealers in Dar es Salaam and they told him that TBL will increase price of a crate by 3,200/- starting on Monday.
Source Tanzania Daily News
