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A recent market survey conducted on Thursday at Aliade Market in Gwer Local Government Area of Benue State has revealed significant price movements in both fuel and essential food commodities, reflecting ongoing economic pressures felt by residents and traders alike.
According to market observer Mc Oliver Nyikiyaa, who monitored prices across various stalls, a litre of petrol was selling for ₦1,500, while red oil (palm oil) and apu (another local oil variant) also traded at the same rate per litre. A bag of akpu (cassava-based product) was priced at ₦2,000.
Among staple food items, groundnut led with a 50kg sack going for ₦70,000. Soya beans followed closely at ₦80,000 per 50kg sack, while guinea corn stood at ₦55,000 per 50kg bag. Maize (both red and black varieties) and rice paddy were both sold at ₦45,000 per 50kg sack. White beans fetched ₦50,000 per Bagco bag.
High-value seeds and nuts also showed elevated pricing: a 50kg sack of melon (egusi) reached ₦120,000, bene seed sold for ₦140,000 per 50kg sack, and cashew nuts went for ₦145,000 per bag.
Tubers and flours recorded the following ranges: 100 tubers of yam were priced between ₦100,000 and ₦130,000 depending on size and quality. Cassava flour sold at ₦10,000 per bag, while yam flour stood at ₦25,000 per bag.
Other commodities included rubber, which measured ₦5,500 per unit.
The survey highlights the continued volatility in food and fuel prices across Benue markets, driven by factors such as transportation costs, seasonal supply dynamics, and the prevailing pump price of petrol. Traders and consumers at Aliade Market expressed concern over the sustained high cost of living, particularly as staple items remain out of reach for many households.
Market watchers suggest that these adjustments are consistent with trends observed in other parts of the state and may persist until broader interventions address production costs, distribution challenges, and fuel pricing stability.
