Prices of key vegetables have sharply increased in Minna markets as the Eid-el-Kabir celebration approaches, according to a recent survey conducted by journalists.
The survey, carried out on Monday at Kure and Old Gwadabe markets, highlighted significant price hikes in tomatoes, bell peppers, and hot peppers.
Traders attributed the surge primarily to scarcity caused by the end of the cultivation season and rising transportation costs.
Aliyu Magaji, a vegetable trader, revealed that prices have doubled over the past few weeks. He noted that a large basket of tomatoes, which sold for between N60,000 and N70,000 a month ago, now commands prices between N120,000 and N130,000. Similarly, a big paint bucket of tomatoes that previously sold for about N15,000 now costs between N30,000 and N35,000.
Mr. Magaji also reported that a small bag of hot pepper, formerly priced at N42,000 to N45,000, has risen to between N55,000 and N57,000.
The price of a large bag of red bell peppers has jumped from about N80,000 to between N120,000 and N125,000.
The survey further found that onion prices have also increased, with a big bag now selling for N45,000 to N50,000, up from N35,000, and a small bag rising from N23,000 to N28,000.
Another trader, Awwalu Tanimu, explained that the price hikes are linked to the end of the vegetable cultivation season in most parts of the country, which has led to reduced supply in the markets. He also emphasized that high transportation costs have compounded the problem.
Consumers expressed concern over the rising prices. A’isha Mohammed lamented the escalating costs, fearing it would make cooking for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration difficult for many families. Similarly, shopper Maimuna Abubakar described the situation as “overwhelming” for households. She shared her experience, saying, “I might only cook for my immediate family this Sallah because the quantity of tomatoes I bought for N4,000 just two weeks ago now costs N8,500, and they are not even readily available in the market.”
As the festive season nears, the sharp rise in vegetable prices poses a significant challenge for many families preparing for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Minna.
NAN.
