From Kayemo News
Consumers in Ekiti State have lamented over the unprecedented rise in prices of tomatoes and pepper and other foodstuffs that have made life unbearable for residents.
Speaking in a separate interview some consumers expressed their frustration over the high costs which is disproportionate to their incomes, as prices continue to soar.
Buyers also lamented over an unstable market, where everyday essentials are fast becoming luxuries for an average home.
One of the consumers, Mrs Omotoso Adedayo in Ado-Ekiti said, “One measure of of small pepper now costs ₦1000, while the the bigger size of pepper, is almost ₦2000.
Speaking with other customers about how they are adapting with the new prices, a man, who pleaded anonymity said, “These days I make other food that doesn’t involve using tomatoes, if it’s a must I substitute with tomato paste, tomatoes is gold now, only for the rich”.
A lady simply identified as Bolanle Ojo added that, ” it was very funny the way the prices went high overnight, I don’t know where we are heading to in this country, the least tomatoes I can get is #500 and it’s just 8 small pieces, let’s not even talk about the peppers. I pray it comes down because we need tomatoes and pepper for almost every food we cook”.
A trade said “When I sell, some customers complain that the quantity is too small, and when I try to explain that it’s the economy, they say the dollar doesn’t affect tomatoes”.
Another trader highlighted the challenges of reduced profits as a result to pest infestations.
“I sell a basket of tomatoes for ₦5,000. The least amount I sell is ₦500; The tomatoes produced now are not as red as before, there’s this insect destroying tomatoes before, I sold at ₦200 and ₦100, but not anymore. When I add transportation costs, it’s like I’m running at a loss”.
Another trader said, “The price I buy today is not the price of tomorrow; every day, different prices. Some of the tomatoes are not even very ripe, but we don’t have a choice but to sell so our children can eat, and we as parents will have money to provide for them”.
