Soaring food prices during Lent: The increasingly expensive fruits

Since the beginning of the Muslim fast, certain consumer products, especially food, have experienced a surge in prices.. The fruits, food of great need in this period does not escape this dearness.

17 h at the small Cadjèhoun market. At this hour, the sun slowly settles, letting its last rays shine on this Monday evening 03 May. As always, this small market installed behind the fence of Cotonou airport receives customers which for a few days has increased due to the period of Muslim Lent.. A few hours away from breaking the fast on behalf of this day, crowds are still high. " For a few days, evenings between 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., we welcome many more people than in the past. This is explained by the period of Lent which is a time of great need for fruit for those who want to break with the fast and therefore the demand is strong”, let know Sarah fruit seller in the said market. Just like this last one, the sellers of this small market are delighted with the turnover that is theirs during this period. "We sell more than in the past when the Muslim fasting period comes, and it is so, every year ", said in turn Lady Elizabeth in her forties. According to the statements of women in this market, everyone finds their gain. Which words are accompanied by a smile of satisfaction.

On the other hand, with customers, the joy is not shared as much since these fruit sellers take advantage of the period to bid on the products offered. "We do not understand why the good ladies decide to increase the price of fruit at this time when there is no shortage of it. The products we take for example to 500 FCFA increased to 800 F or even, 1000 Abibath is worthy of himself. Gustave is a regular at the place. For this fifty year old, who has been on the market for a few years, "It's a habit for traders", he confides. He says it's not just about this market, but that it is a practice that extends to many other. “If you go to the other markets, you will see that it is a practice that runs the streets in this period of fasting is universal”, he said.

A tour of the Vêdoko market reveals the accuracy of this fact., even if at this level, prices seem a bit affordable. Grace, as she calls herself is a fruit seller in this market. Positioned behind its display variously made up of fruits, she says not to complain about the sale in this period of lent. She even recognizes that prices have increased slightly and justifies "We are selling a lot more compared to the non-Lenten period.. In this time of fasting, we sometimes quickly sell the products and take others ».

As for the price increase, it's true she says that "there is a small increase but, it is not the will of the resellers that we are. Our suppliers have increased on their side thus forcing us to do the same ». She adds with humor "You also have to take advantage of the moment to find your balance".

This state of affairs frustrates consumers who talk about a big mess. Some even propose a unification of product prices, especially during fasting and festive periods "The Ministry of Commerce must be able to find a solution to this mess" proclaims Gustave, suggesting “As the holidays approach or periods of high food consumption, prices are on the rise. We have to find a way to put certain products at the same price..

Waiting for the cry of the heart of consumers to be heard, revendeurs et revendeuses continuent de profiter du moment pour le bien de leurs économies.

Firmin KASSAGA