Price of palm oil increases in Enugu

Prices of palm oil have skyrocketed in major markets across Enugu metropolis placing the commodity beyond the reach of many consumers.
A market survey on Saturday shows that the price rose by 15 per cent when compared to what its price was two months ago.
At Ogbete Main Market, Garki and Mayor markets a 5-litre of palm oil now sells for N4,500 as against N3,800 the previous month.
A 70Cl bottle also cost N700 from N550 a month back.
The survey also revealed that a 20-litre jerry-can of palm oil is now selling between N21,000 and N22,000 as against N17, 000 and N19, 500 depending on its processing pattern and grade.
Palm oil dealers at the various major markets in the metropolis, blamed the increase to an off-season of the palm fruits for the year.
A palm oil seller at Ogbete Main Market, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the price of oil as at June was between N500 and N550 per 70cl bottle while 20-litre went for between N17,000 and N19,500.
She noted that scarcity of palm oil fruits had led to low productivity thereby, leading to a hike in the price of the commodity.
Mrs Nneka Ani, another seller of palm oil at Garki Market, said that a 25-litre jerry-can in major markets in the metropolis goes for between N24,500 and N25,500.
“Almost every food item has increased in their prices not just palm oil alone.
“The price of palm oil might further increase before the year ends,” she said.
A buyer, Miss Uju Obi said that price of palm oil always increase during rainy season due to its off season.
Obi said that a good storage of the product would make it more available during its off season period.