Residents lament as price of onions soars in FCT

Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expressing concern over the soaring cost of onions, with many unable to afford the commodity. Price hikes have been observed in several markets across the city. Hussaini Garba, a vegetable seller at Madallah market, noted that a bag of onions, which used to cost N50,000, is now being sold between N120,000 and N130,000.

Garba attributes the rise in price to poor onion farming last year and increased transportation costs. At Suleja market, Sabi’u Ahmed explained that reduced supply from producing areas due to seasonal shortages and disease have contributed to the price increase. A basket of onions, previously sold between N27,000 and N30,000, is now priced between N70,000 and N75,000.

In Dei-Dei Market, Madam Chika Ogar reported that traders have had to adjust their prices due to high transportation costs, as fuel prices have risen. A small basket of onions, sold between N5,000 and N6,000, is now sold between N8,000 and N9,500. Resident Mirabel Augustine, who previously bought onions regularly, now finds them too expensive, having to adjust her budget or reduce her purchases.

Ms Sadiya Usman, another consumer, lamented the high prices, saying they are putting additional pressure on household budgets already strained by the rising cost of other food items. The residents have called on the government to address the issue of high petrol prices, which they believe is driving up transportation costs and, in turn, the prices of goods and services.