Tomatoes, Palm Oil Prices Soar In Enugu
Prices of some foodstuffs, particularly tomatoes, palm oil and cassava flakes, popularly known as garri, have continued to increase in Enugu’s major markets.
NAN correspondent, who conducted a market survey in Enugu on Monday, reports that the prices of foodstuffs increased significantly between April and May.
A visit to some markets in the state capital showed that only four balls of tomatoes go for N400 as against the previous price of N200 while a half of 4.5-litre painter bucket of tomatoes now goes for N3,000.
Miss Ogechukwu Uwakwe, a tomato seller at Garki Market, said that due to the high price of the produce, she could not buy a full basket but rather shared with another tomato buyer so as to be able to have something to sell in her shop.
Another seller at the New Market, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that she had stopped selling tomatoes for the moment until the price of the product reduces.
According to her, the cost of transportation and the off-season of most agricultural products have been the reason for the high cost of most foodstuffs in the city.
Also, the price of palm oil continued to increase in major markets within the Enugu metropolis.
Mrs Edith Ofor, a palm oil seller at Garki Market, said that 25 litres of palm oil now goes for N25,000 as against N18,000 in April.
Ofor blamed the increase on the high price of the product on its off-season period.
Another palm oil seller at Mayor Market, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that a 75cl now goes for between N1,000 as against N800 previously.
Meanwhile, the situation is the same regarding the price of cassava flakes, popularly called garri, in most markets in the city.
Mrs Joy Eze, a seller at Kenyatta Market, said that the increment is very high compared to the prices in previous months.
“The price of garri increased in most markets due to its off-season period, as already planted cassava crop are waiting to be harvested and some new ones are being planted.