Fruit Prices Surge Over 60% in Enugu Amid Food Inflation, Climate Stress

By Naija247news

By Naija247news Business Desk | Enugu | May 13, 2025

Fruit prices in Enugu metropolis have soared by over 60 percent in recent months, squeezing household budgets and raising concerns about nutrition and food security, a Naija247news market survey reveals.

The prices of bananas, watermelons, grapes, pineapples, and mangoes have nearly doubled since February, with traders and consumers blaming high transport costs, climate change, insecurity in northern farming zones, and surging export demand.

Banana Prices Triple in Three Months

A bunch of bananas now sells for ₦3,500, up from ₦1,500 just two months ago. A full bunch costs between ₦30,000 and ₦45,000, compared to ₦12,000–₦20,000 in March.

Mrs Ugonna Uche, a banana seller at Aria New Market, attributed the price surge to high export demand and lack of local farm access.

“Exporting fruits to other countries is good business, but it leaves less supply at home. Average families can no longer afford fruit daily,” she lamented.

Watermelon, Pineapple, Mango Prices Hit New Highs

At Ogbete Main Market:

• Watermelons sell for between ₦3,500 and ₦6,000, depending on size

• A pack of grapes is now ₦6,000

• Pineapples go for ₦2,500 to ₦5,000

• A small basket of mangoes (4 pieces) costs ₦1,000

Mrs Theresa Ozzie, a watermelon dealer, said fruit sales have dipped drastically as prices soared.

“If the government doesn’t address food insecurity and rising farm costs, this situation will only worsen,” she warned

Smoothie Sellers, Juice Makers Adjust Prices

Ms Chioma Chinedu, who runs a smoothie and juice business, said production costs had more than doubled due to fruit inflation.

“A cup of watermelon or pineapple juice that sold for ₦1,000 last year now sells for ₦2,000. Smoothies cost up to ₦5,000 per cup, depending on ingredients,” she explained.

What’s Driving the Fruit Inflation?

Musa Ahmed, a trader at Garriki Market, blamed:

• Insurgency in the North: limiting farm access and logistics

• High transportation costs: worsened by fuel subsidy removal

• Multiple levies and taxes: increasing overheads

Mr Clement Ango, another trader, linked the price hike to climate change, especially for seasonal fruits like bananas, grapes, and mangoes.

Consumers Alarmed as Fruit Becomes Luxury

Residents say the fruit price hike is deepening nutritional inequality and threatens public health.

Mr Vincent Chukwu, a civil servant, said bananas were once a staple in his home but are now beyond reach.

“With the cost of living skyrocketing, many Nigerians are forced to cut out nutritious foods. This could lead to a health crisis if not urgently addressed,” he warned.

📌 Editor’s Note: For content partnerships and collaborations, reach out via editor@naija247news.com

Reporting by Naija247news in Lagos, Nigeria.