Residents in Kano are battling rising food costs as prices of major vegetables have increased sharply ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
A market survey conducted at Yankaba vegetable market showed that the prices of tomatoes, onions, peppers and other cooking essentials have risen by nearly 70 per cent in recent weeks.
Traders blamed the increase on low farm supply and high transportation costs, which they say have made it difficult to maintain previous prices.
According to vegetable dealer Abdulrazak Sani, tomato prices have increased dramatically within the last month.
He explained that a large basket of tomatoes now sells for about N22,000, compared to around N13,000 previously, while smaller baskets have also doubled in price.
Bell pepper and hot pepper prices have also surged heavily.
Sani revealed that a large bag of bell pepper now costs about N80,000, almost double its former price, while a large bag of hot pepper popularly known as “attarugu” has risen to around N100,000.
The price of onions has equally increased across major markets in Kano.
Another trader, Abubakar Musa, said the end of the vegetable farming season has reduced supply, causing shortages in the market.
He added that transportation expenses have also contributed to the rising prices of perishables.
The situation is already creating concern among residents preparing for Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Some buyers complained that the sudden increase in food prices is putting extra pressure on household budgets at a time many families are already struggling with the high cost of living.
A customer, Amina Haruna, expressed fears that feeding expenses during the festive season may become too expensive for many households.
Another resident, Sani Gezawa, noted that tomatoes and peppers — which are used in almost every Nigerian meal — have become especially difficult to afford.
The development adds to growing concerns over food inflation and rising market prices across different parts of the country ahead of major celebrations.
Source: NAN
