Eid-el-Kabir Shock: Tomato Prices Hit N130,000 Per Basket in Minna Markets

 

The prices of vegetables have surged sharply in Minna markets ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, making it increasingly difficult for many households to afford essential cooking ingredients.

A survey conducted by the newsmen on Monday at Kure and Old Gwadabe markets showed that tomatoes, bell peppers and hot peppers recorded the highest price increases.

Traders blamed the development on scarcity of produce and rising transportation costs.

One of the traders, Aliyu Magaji, said prices had risen drastically within the last few weeks.

According to him, a large basket of tomatoes, which sold for between N60,000 and N70,000 about a month ago, now costs between N120,000 and N130,000.

Magaji added that a big paint bucket of tomatoes previously sold for about N15,000 but now goes for between N30,000 and N35,000.

He further disclosed that a small bag of hot pepper, formerly sold for between N42,000 and N45,000, now costs between N55,000 and N57,000.

Similarly, he said a large bag of red bell peppers had increased from about N80,000 to between N120,000 and N125,000.

The survey also revealed that a big bag of onions now sells for between N45,000 and N50,000, compared to its previous price of N35,000, while a small bag rose from N23,000 to N28,000.

Another trader, Awwalu Tanimu, attributed the hike to the end of the cultivation season for tomatoes and peppers in many parts of the country, which he said had reduced supply to markets.

Tanimu explained that the shortage of tomatoes, red bell peppers and hot peppers had triggered the sharp increase in prices.

He also identified high transportation costs as a major contributing factor.

Some residents expressed concern over the impact of the price hike on preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

A shopper, A’isha Mohammed, lamented the rising cost of vegetables, saying it could make festive cooking difficult for many families.

Another resident, Maimuna Abubakar, described the situation as overwhelming for households already struggling with rising living costs.

“The situation is overwhelming. I may only cook for my immediate family this Sallah because the quantity of tomatoes I bought for N4,000 two weeks ago now costs N8,500, and they are not even readily available in the market,” she said.