Prices of fozen foods jump in Asaba, as Xmas approaches

Prices of frozen chicken and turkey have increased in Asaba,  forcing some of the consumers to resort to frozen fish, it has been reported.

A market survey in the two major markets in Asaba on Monday revealed that one kilogramme of frozen chicken which was sold for N800 some weeks ago now sells for N900.

A carton of the commodity which sold for N8000 at Ogbe-ogonogo and Abraka markets, now sells for N10,000.

The survey showed that the price of turkey has also recorded some increase as a kilogramme of the commodity now sells for N1000 as against N900 last month.

Some of the dealers who spoke attributed the price increase to the increase in the exchange rate of the dollar.

According to Mrs Jane Ewere of the Zanvic Frozen Foods, the prices of frozen chicken and turkey went up recently due to the increase in the exchange rate.

“The recent increase from N8000 to N10,000 for a carton of frozen chicken was not intentional and we never intended to increase the price on our own,' she said.

Another dealer, Mrs Oluchi Okolie said “the yuletide season has nothing to do with the increase in the price of frozen chicken; it is the exchange rate.

'There is increase in the various charges we pay from Cotonou to this place. My prayer is that since the yuletide season is fast approaching, it does not increase further,'' she said.

Okolie said the increase in the price of the commodity had affected the patronage by consumers, adding that before the increase, she could sell as many as 50 cartons a day.

“Since this recent increase, we hardly sell up to 25 cartons a day and I have observed that most of my customers are now buying frozen fish which is cheaper,'' she explained.

A housewife, Mrs Gloria Uzodinma, said the price increase had forced her to be consuming frozen fish which she noted was by far cheaper.