Onion and Tomato Prices Rise in Enugu Markets

Prices of tomatoes and onions have gone up in major markets in Enugu, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

A survey by NAN on Wednesday showed that the prices of these items have increased compared to previous months.

An onion seller at New Garki Market, Ibekaku Orji, said the sharp rise in onion prices is due to reasons beyond just seasonal changes.

Mr Orji pointed out that bad roads, higher transportation costs from the north, and insecurity in the country are all contributing factors.

He mentioned that a big bag of onions now sells for between N272,000 and N280,000, up from N170,000 to N185,000 in September.

He added that a small bag of onions costs between N137,000 and N140,000, while a paint bucket now goes for between N10,000 and N11,000, compared to N5,000 to N6,000 in earlier months.

Another onion seller at the same market, Aria Maxwell Agu, said he has stopped selling onions because customers are unhappy with the price increase.

“With the increase in the price of onions, I decided to stop buying and selling the commodity to my customers for now,” he said.

NAN also reports that a big basket of tomatoes now sells for between N60,000 and N68,000, compared to N45,000 and N50,000 in August and September, depending on the type.

The price of a small basket of tomatoes is now between N40,000 and N45,500, again depending on the type.

A paint bucket of tomatoes costs between N7,000 and N8,000, up from N5,000 and N5,500 recently.

A tomato seller at the new Akwata Market, Garki, Enugu, Ekwutosi Iyi, said the rise in tomato prices is due to low supply from the northern region.

“The UTC type from Jos, which was supposed to be cheaper in October, is still hard to find and expensive,” Ms Iyi explained.

She noted that the UTC type should be available this October since it is harvest time, while other types from Benue should be cheaper than what is available now.

Elizabeth Onu, another tomato seller at Ogbete Market, warned that prices might not drop if the supply issue continues, even as the harvest season approaches.

Chinasa Ugwunze, a buyer at Mayor Market, said tomato prices usually go down towards the end of the year, but this year is different.

Mr Ugwunze was surprised that prices remain high even though harvest time has begun.

He urged the government to build storage facilities for perishable goods to help stabilize prices and ensure availability all year round.