Fatshimetrie: The horse mackerel trade in Kinshasa
At the heart of Kinshasa’s bustling markets, a fish that is very popular among Kinshasa households, horse mackerel, known locally as “mpiodi”, is the subject of discussion due to its rarity and the surge in prices observed in recent months. Traders who buy horse mackerel are having difficulty supplying their stands, and this has a direct impact on the price of this popular fish.
According to some testimonies collected by Fatshimetrie, the scarcity of horse mackerel is due to limited stocks in the cold rooms where traders usually get their supplies. This situation pushes the vendors to get up at dawn, from 4 a.m., to try to get their share of this coveted fish. However, despite their efforts, some return empty-handed, as not all the cold rooms are able to supply enough horse mackerel to meet the growing demand.
Traders who manage to obtain horse mackerel resell them at higher prices than before, due to the scarcity of the product on the market. This price increase can be problematic for consumers who see the cost of this basic product increase significantly.
Some players in the sector attribute this situation to the scarcity of certain products, including horse mackerel, at this time of year. Others also mention the impact of recent government measures, such as the ban on entry into the DRC through the Lufu border post of vehicles registered in Angola. This measure would have an impact on the supply of horse mackerel from this neighboring country, leading to a shortage on the local market.
Faced with this worrying situation, traders are calling on the government to find solutions to guarantee a stable supply of horse mackerel. As a fish highly prized by Kinshasa households, horse mackerel occupies an important place in the daily diet of many homes. It is therefore essential to take measures to prevent shortages and price increases that could negatively impact the population.
In conclusion, the situation of the horse mackerel trade in Kinshasa highlights the challenges faced by the sector’s stakeholders in the face of the scarcity and rising prices of this highly valued fish. It is essential to find sustainable solutions to ensure an adequate supply of horse mackerel and guarantee access to this essential product for many Congolese households.