The prices of cassava flakes (garri) and rice have recorded a significant increase of over 50% in Enugu metropolis, according to a market survey recent conducted.
Jerrymusa.com reports that the survey revealed that a cup of garri, which previously sold for ₦150, now costs ₦250.
Similarly, a five-liter paint bucket of garri, which previously sold for ₦3,000, now costs between ₦4,000 and ₦4,300. The price of a 50kg bag of garri has also increased from ₦30,000 to ₦45,000.
Food Prices Increase Daily
At the Garki Market in Enugu, the price of a 50kg bag of foreign rice has risen from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000 to between ₦95,000 and ₦100,000, depending on the brand.
The price of local rice has also increased, with a 50kg bag now selling for between ₦80,000 and ₦85,000, depending on the brand.
Food sellers in the market attributed the price increase to the exportation of garri to other countries, which has reduced its availability in the local market.
They suggested that the government should address food insecurity and stop the exportation of garri to bring prices down.
A buyer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the high cost of living in the country to the removal of subsidies on petroleum products.