The recent increase in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is gradually triggering a sharp rise in the prices of foodstuffs and household commodities in various markets and retail shops across Vihiga county.
A market survey conducted by KNA in Luanda and Emuhaya constituencies, indicates that although the effects are not yet fully determined, traders, suppliers and residents were already experiencing growing economic pressure that could worsen in the coming days, if the situation remains unresolved.
Prices of several essential commodities have started increasing, with tomatoes now retailing at between Sh15 and Sh20 per fruit, compared to the usual Sh10. The prices of onions, vegetables and maize have also recorded noticeable price changes in different markets.
Maize, commonly measured using a two-kilogram tin locally known as a “gorogoro,” is now retailing at Sh140 up from the usual Sh120 in most centres surveyed.
Traders attribute the increase to the rising transport costs caused by the fuel price hike, noting that wholesalers are already adjusting prices due to higher operational expenses.
Some market sellers warn that prices could rise further should the fuel situation continue to worsen.
“We are also struggling because transporting goods from wholesalers has become expensive. If fuel prices continue rising, we will have no option but to increase commodity prices further,” said one trader at Luanda market.
Austine Omondi, a delivery rider involved in transporting supplies from wholesale distributors to retail shops around Luanda, says the impact is already affecting his daily income.
He explains that many retail traders are reducing orders because of the increasing prices of goods, leading to a gradual drop in the number of deliveries he makes each day.
“My clients are buying fewer goods because of the high prices. The number of deliveries I make daily has reduced and this means lower income for me,” says Omondi.
At Ebusakami shopping centre, Rojas Okidi, a fast-food vendor, says he has been forced to temporarily close his business after the cost of potatoes increased sharply.
According to Okidi, a full bucket of potatoes which previously retailed at Sh680 is now retailing at Sh750, making it difficult for him to maintain normal food prices without losing customers.
“When I tried to increase the prices of fries, customers complained. I decided to stop operations for now and wait for the situation to stabilize,” he says.
A further survey across local markets also indicates that the prices of most commodities have increased by an average of between Sh5 and Sh10, although traders fear the trend could intensify in the coming weeks.
Residents of Vihiga are now calling on the government to urgently intervene and find a lasting solution to the raging fuel crisis, so as to prevent further economic strain on ordinary citizens, already struggling with the high cost of living.
By Kelly Barasa and Maureen Imbayi
