Prices of foodstuffs, particularly tomatoes, palm oil and garri, have continued to increase in Enugu’s major markets.

A market survey in Enugu on Monday showed that food prices increased significantly between April and May.

A big basket of tomatoes now sells between N55,000 and N60,000 in May as against N36,000 to N45,000 sold in April.

A visit to markets in the state capital showed that only four balls of tomatoes go for N400 against the previous price of N200, while half of a 4.5-litre paint bucket of tomatoes now goes for N3,000.

Ogechukwu Uwakwe, a tomato seller at Garki Market, said that due to the high price of the produce, she could not buy a whole basket but instead shared it with another tomato buyer to have something to sell in her shop.

Another seller at the New Market spoke anonymously and said she had stopped selling tomatoes until the produce price was reduced.

According to her, the cost of transportation and the off-season of most agricultural produce has been the reason for the high price of most foodstuffs in the city.

Also, the price of palm oil continued to increase in major markets within the Enugu metropolis.

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. Ms Ofor blamed the increase on the high price of the produce on its off-season period.

Another palm oil seller at Mayor Market, who spoke anonymously, said that a 75cl now goes for between N1,000 and N800.

Meanwhile, the situation is the same regarding the price of cassava flakes, popularly called garri, in most markets in the city.

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 crops are waiting to be harvested, and some new ones are being planted,” she said. “We are hopeful that in a short while, there will be a reduction in the commodity’s price.”

According to her, depending on the type, a 4.5-litre bucket of garri now goes for between N1,200 and N1,500 as against N900 and N1,000.

Joseph Ekwueme, a dealer in garri at Ogbete Market, said a bag of garri is sold for N36,000 now as against N22,000 in early April.

(NAN)