By Obianuju Azukaego/Nkiru Anakor
Following the recent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as fuel, residents of Onitsha, the commercial hub of Anambra State, have decried the sharp rise in the prices of food items and other essential commodities.
A cross-section of residents who spoke with information officers described the situation as extremely difficult, noting that food items are gradually becoming unaffordable for the average citizen.
A fresh tomato seller at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, Lady Agnes Nsofor, expressed concern over the sudden increase in the price of tomatoes.
According to her, the cost of a full basket has risen from ₦70,000 to ₦100,000, making it difficult for retailers and consumers to cope.
She also expressed fears over the instability in prices, predicting a possible further increase due to the ongoing Eid-el-Fitr season.
Similarly, a meat seller at Oduigbo Market, Onitsha, Mr. Theophilus Ogadimma, lamented the sharp rise in the cost of cattle. He noted that a cow he previously purchased for ₦1.5 million now costs about ₦2 million, significantly affecting profit margins.
Mr. Ogadimma further said that customers often resist the new prices, adding that many meat sellers now struggle to make reasonable profits due to the situation.
In the same vein, an ice fish seller at Okpoko Food Market, Ms. Nnenna Odiase, said the increase in fuel prices has led to a significant rise in the cost of frozen fish.
“Since we can no longer get a carton of big-sized ice fish for less than ₦80,000, sales have dropped noticeably,” she said.
Also speaking, a customer, Mrs. Patricia Okoye, described the situation as disheartening, noting that staple foods such as rice, beans, maize, and garri have become increasingly unaffordable.
“A cup of beans that used to sell for ₦200 now goes for about ₦250, and even at that price, it is scarce.
A bucket of local rice, which was formerly sold between ₦4,000 and ₦4,500, has also increased significantly,” she lamented.
Attributing the rising cost of food to the increase in fuel prices, Mrs. Okoye called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to stabilize fuel prices and ease the burden on citizens.
Other respondents also expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living, warning that the continued increase in food prices could have serious consequences for the health and well-being of the average Nigerian.
Obianuju and Nkiru are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
