Douala : Fluctuating Tomato Prices

The effects of post-electoral violence are becoming increasingly visible in the markets of Douala. Due to the disruption of vehicle movement in and out of the city, many food items are facing exorbitant prices. A visit to some markets in Douala on Friday October 31 reveals price hikes in most food items especially fresh fruit tomatoes “Since Monday, we have not received any trucks from the Western or South-West regions transporting tomatoes. Most of the tomatoes we sell come from these two regions”, lamented Majorette Payong, a dealer at the Douala Sandaga Market.
She further explained that the surge of violence following the proclamation of the October 12 Presidential Election results has blocked roads, preventing most truck drivers from delivering tomatoes to Douala. “What we have in stock is from the Littoral region and is in limited supply. I bought a basket of tomatoes today for CFA 18,000 and have to sell it for CFA 20,000 to make a profit,” she added.
Madam Adeline Yogou, a housewife, expressed her shock upon discovering the high price of tomatoes. “I had planned to buy a basket for at most CFA 7,000, but when I realized it was CFA 20,000, I immediately had to adjust my shopping list”, she said. She noted that many other food items have also experienced significant price hikes and urged political leaders to find a lasting solution to the ongoing violence. “If things continue like this, many people will di...