Sellers and buyers of food items in ogun state are lamenting high prices of commodities in the state ahead of the Christmas celebrations.
Our correspondents who spoke with sellers in wasimi, oja-ota and owode markets, on Monday, report that dealers in tomato, pepper and rice decried the low patronage due to the high cost.
Many attributed the situation to the high cost of transporting food items from the North, high inflation rate and insecurity, especially in the North where bandits have forced farmers to abandon their farms.
A tomato, pepper and onion seller who identified herself as iya lola, said most of the commodities go bad due to poor patronage.
“A basket of tomato now, the big round one, which is sold between N14,000 and N15,000 rose to about N20,000.
The small bucket which was sold for between N700 and N800 now costs N2,000; the small bucket of pepper rose from N700 to N1,200.
Meanwhile, Medium size basket of onion, about 40 to 42 pieces in one basket, which cost N800 in the past, now sells for N1,600.
Also speaking, Mr bashir who sells rice, vegetable oil and other condiments, said the number of buyers has reduced.
He said A bag of rice, big grain, rose from N27,000/N28,000 to N29,500/N30,000 while the small grain that cost around N25,000 in the past now sells for N27,000/N28,000.
Also, Mrs Johnson, who sells Broilers, said they recorded low patronage due to the prevailing high cost of commodities.
“A small broiler, sold for between N2,000 to N2,500, now costs N3,500 and the price will even rise further lamenting that buyers now prefer frozen chicken because it’s a bit cheaper.
A mother, who identified herself as Iya Cynthia, said her purchasing power is low due to the inflated cost of food items.
“i am just managing things, I buy the little I can buy because i can’t just fold my hands and be looking at the children during such a festive period.
