Rising fuel costs trigger food inflation as hardship deepens in Lagos
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
In Lagos, growing concern is mounting among traders and residents as rising fuel prices continue to push food costs beyond the reach of many households, deepening economic hardship across the state.
Alhaji Abiodun Kosoko, Baba Loja General of Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA, has attributed the persistent increase in food prices to the soaring cost of transportation, warning that traders and consumers alike are bearing the brunt of the crisis.
Kosoko described a troubling trend in local markets, where daily foot traffic remains high, but actual sales have significantly declined. According to him, while markets still attract large numbers of buyers, weakened purchasing power has resulted in reduced transactions and unsold goods.
“People come to buy foodstuffs but leave with less than planned. There are turnouts but no turnover,” he said.
He explained that many traders rely on supplies from northern and neighbouring states, where agricultural production is higher. However, transporting these goods to Lagos has become increasingly expensive due to fuel costs, long distances, and multiple levies imposed along supply routes. These factors, he noted, ultimately drive up the final prices paid by consumers.
Kosoko warned that the situation poses a serious threat to small-scale traders, particularly those dealing in perishable goods, who depend on quick turnover to avoid losses. He called on the Federal Government to consider fuel subsidies or targeted transport interventions to stabilise prices and ease the burden on both traders and low-income families.
The impact is already evident in staple food prices. A bag of rice, which previously sold for ₦50,000, now ranges between ₦56,000 and ₦58,000, depending on supply conditions.
Market traders say they are increasingly misunderstood by customers. Mr Hammed Adekunle, a meat seller, noted that many buyers accuse traders of inflating prices, unaware of the rising costs within the supply chain.
“They think I inflate prices, but suppliers keep raising costs beyond my control,” he said, adding that customers now bargain more aggressively, sometimes attempting to reduce ₦5,000 purchases to as low as ₦1,000.
Adekunle explained that increased costs of livestock, feed, and transportation have left sellers with little choice but to adjust prices or risk operating at a loss.
For consumers, the situation is forcing difficult choices.
Mrs Sola Ogunbade, a teacher, said she now prioritises only essential items, often leaving out others due to budget constraints.
“Foodstuffs are expensive. I must stick to my budget even if my list isn’t complete,” she said.
Similarly, Mrs Mary Chukwu, a mother of three, said her family’s meals have been reduced to basic survival, with limited access to balanced nutrition. She stressed that her priority is ensuring her children do not go hungry, even if meals lack protein and other essential nutrients.
As economic pressure continues to build, festive celebrations are also being affected. Mr Funbi Idowu described the recent Easter period as one of the most difficult his family has experienced.
“We can’t afford a whole chicken. We will celebrate Easter quietly and hope things improve,” he said, noting that what was once a season of abundance has become a time of cautious spending and lowered expectations.
Residents are now calling on authorities to take urgent action, including subsidies on fuel and essential food items, to ease the growing burden and restore some level of stability to daily living.
