By Ukehemba peter
There has been a significant reduction in the price of palm oil across various markets in Benue State, particularly Wurukum Market in Makurdi, the state capital.
This essential commodity has seen notable changes in pricing, as a result of it season of production, which is March every year.
A walk into Wurukum market, Makurdi reveals that a liter of palm oil goes for N1,500, a considerable decrease from the N2,300 price observed just a few months ago. This reduction has sparked renewed interest among consumers, many of whom are eager to purchase palm oil at more affordable rates.
Ibrahim Adamu, a vendor at Wurukum Market, expressed satisfaction with the drop in price,“The price has dropped significantly. Just a few months ago, I could barely sell my stock at N2,300. Now that it’s N1,500, more customers are coming back to buy. This is a relief for both sellers and buyers.
Chinelo Kachikwu, another seller in the market, said, “This decrease in price is good for business and for our customers. We are seeing more traffic in the market, and I hope we can maintain these prices as the demand continues to grow.”
A consumer, Peter Jato who reside in Otukpo, expressed joy over the development. “I used to hesitate buying palm oil because it was so expensive. Now that price has dropped, I can buy what I need without worrying about my budget. It’s a welcome change for families like mine”
On her part, Sarah Okonkwo, a student of Benue State University, remarked that, “As a student, the cost of living is always a concern. The drop in palm oil prices is helping a lot of us manage our food expenses better. Cooking with affordable palm oil makes a big difference for students on a low budget.
Speaking on the development, Isaac Gbenda, an Agricultural expert noted that,“our initiatives to promote oil palm cultivation are yielding positive results. We hope to see more stability benefitting from this price drop, the market remains sensitive to changes in weather and production levels, which could lead to price increases in the future.
The recent decline in palm oil price at Wurukum Market reflects broader trends in agricultural products and market dynamics in Benue State.
As local farmers continue to improve their yields and the government supports for oil palm cultivation, consumers, traders, and students alike are hopeful for sustained affordability and availability of this vital commodity.
