
Residents of Anambra have welcomed the arrival of the mango season, but concerns are growing over the sharp rise in prices, making the popular fruit less affordable for many.
Unlike previous years when mangoes were readily available at lower prices, this season has seen a significant increase in cost. A visit to Odumodu Junction in Umunya, Oyi Local Government Area, revealed that a small bowl containing 10 mangoes, which sold for ₦1,000 last year, now costs as much as ₦4,000.
Speaking to Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), a fruit vendor at the junction, Mrs. Chinenye Nweke, attributed the price hike to supply challenges.
“We are struggling to get supplies. The wholesalers we buy from are also complaining about high market costs, which has forced us to increase our selling price to make a profit. If we sell too cheaply, we won’t be able to meet our daily expenses,” she explained.
Consumers are feeling the impact, with many lamenting the high cost of what was once a widely accessible fruit. A resident of Agulu in Anaocha Local Government Area, Mr. Ifeanyi Okpala, expressed his disappointment.
“Mango used to be one of the cheapest fruits around this time of the year. Now, it feels like a luxury. Even the local varieties that children used to enjoy are scarce,” he said.
As the mango season progresses, residents remain hopeful that prices will stabilize, making the fruit more affordable once again.