Foodstuffs’ prices have escalated at some Damaturu markets in Yobe.
A survey conducted by our correspondent on Tuesday at Bayan Tasha and Sunday markets revealed the price hike in five items.
Alhaji Abba Muhammad, a trader at Bayan Tasha Market, said a measure of rice cost N2,200 as against N1,800 two weeks ago.
He said a measure of variety of beans was going for between N1,300 and N1,400 instead of between N1,000 and N1,200 it sold two weeks ago.
Malam Bala Maina, a meat seller at Sunday Market, said a kilo of beef sold at N2,200 two weeks ago, now cost N2,500.
Mrs Bisayo Taiwo, a trader at Bayan Tasha, said a five-litre gallon of palm oil was going for N7,200 as against N6,800 two weeks ago, while a five- litre gallon of cooking oil cost N8,000 instead of the previous N7,600.
She added that a measure of flour that went for 1,300 two weeks ago now cost N1,500, adding the cost of gari was stable at N900.
When contacted, Alhaji Abdullahi Maigwanjo, Vice Chairman, Yobe Traders Association, blamed the high cost of the commodities on farmers and manufacturers.
“ Taders don’t manufacture goods, we only buy and sell to consumers based on the existing whole prices fixed by farmers and manufacturers,” he said.
Maigwanjo, however, appealed to customers for understanding and government at all levels to formulate policies that would reduce inflation in the country.
