- Garri prices in Jos have skyrocketed, with reports indicating rates of 1,100 Naira per measure and 72,000 Naira per 100kg bag
- Sellers attribute the surge to increased demand and processing delays, warning of further price hikes during the rainy season
Garri, a staple food widely consumed in Nigeria, has reached an unprecedented price peak in Jos, the capital of Plateau State.
Once considered one of the most affordable food items for Nigerian households, garri is now being sold at a staggering rate of 1,100 Naira per measure and 72,000 Naira per 100kg bag, according to reports gathered during a visit to markets by Daily Trust.
Market respondents expressed dismay at the sharp increase in the price of garri, noting that it has reached its highest level in decades.
Sellers at the Katako market provided insights into the reasons behind the historic surge in garri prices.
Hassan Maigari, a seasoned garri seller, attributed the price hike to a surge in demand for the commodity as more people opt for it as a substitute for other, more expensive food items. Maigari, with three decades of experience in the business, stated, “I have never experienced this kind of price surge before. Today, I sold a 100kg bag for 72,000 Naira.”
Abdullahi Ibrahim, another garri seller, highlighted that suppliers’ delays in processing the product contribute to the price surge. He explained that processors intentionally delay processing to capitalize on higher prices, resulting in increased demand and subsequently inflated prices. Ibrahim emphasized the challenges sellers face amidst expectations for price reductions when other commodities witness a price decrease.
The sellers cautioned that prices may rise even further as the rainy season progresses, a period typically associated with price surges. With schools resuming and farmers expected to return to their farms soon, the demand for garri is anticipated to escalate, potentially driving prices to new heights.
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