{
  "id": 18627868,
  "title": "Onion price surge hits households",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/onion-price-surge-hits-households",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T03:06:42.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Trust",
    "slug": "daily-trust",
    "url": "https://dailytrust.com/onion-price-surge-hits-households/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The sharp increase in onion prices has become a significant concern for many Nigerian households, restaurants, food vendors, and traders. Once considered one of the cheapest and most readily available condiments, onions are now attracting unusual attention in the markets due to their rising cost. In October, the average price of a kilogram of onion bulbs in Nigeria reached N3,100, up from N1,180.01 per kilogram in May 2026. Despite Nigeria being the second-largest onion producer in Africa, trailing only Egypt, local production falls short of demand by 300,000 to 700,000 metric tonnes. The country annually produces around 2.1 million metric tonnes, while demand is 2.4 million metric tonnes. This shortage is primarily due to post-harvest losses, estimated between 45% and 50%, caused by inadequate storage facilities, heat exposure, pest infestations, and a lack of processing infrastructure. Farmers in Kano attribute the declining harvest and price rise to poor dry season farming, leading to a lack of enthusiasm for wet season production. As a result, onions are scarce, driving up prices. Traders export onions to neighboring countries like Togo, Chad, and Cameroon, exacerbating local scarcity. However, as onion harvests improve, prices are expected to stabilize.",
  "summary": "By Vincent A. Yusuf, Salamatu Muhammed (Abuja), Ahmad Datti (Kano), Magaji lsa Hunkuyi (Jalingo) & Ibrahim Musa Giginyu (Katsina) The sharp rise in the price of onions has significantly limited the ability of many families to buy the commodity in reasonable quantities for consumption. Weekend Trust reports that the situation has become a source […]",
  "key_points": [
    "Onion prices surged from N1,180.01 to N3,100 per kilogram in October.",
    "Nigeria produces 2.1 million metric tonnes annually, demand is 2.4 million metric tonnes.",
    "Post-harvest losses and scarcity drive up prices, with traders exporting to neighboring countries."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}