Lomé: the price of a drum of oil drops from 32,000 to 23,000 CFA francs, bringing some relief to the markets

Lomé's markets are enjoying a welcome lull as vegetable oil prices fall. At the Grand Marché, 25-litre cans, which recently peaked at between 30,000 and 32,000 CFA francs, is now available at 23,000 CFA francs. This reduction, expected to amount to 30 %, marks an improvement for consumers and retailers.

Vendors explained that the recent price hike was due to a slowdown in supply. This situation had also led to complex purchasing conditions, with some vendors requiring the simultaneous purchase of a bag of rice or wheat in order to obtain oil.

However, the market seems to be gradually returning to equilibrium. In addition to the fall in the price of 25-liter cans, a liter of oil is now selling for around 1,000 CFA francs, compared with 2,000 francs a few weeks ago. This downward trend is particularly welcome as the festive season approaches, a time when this essential commodity becomes even more sought-after.

Traders are calling for regular supplies to further stabilize prices, and hope that the 25-liter can will soon reach 20,000 CFA francs.

Focus on other food prices

In addition to oil, other staples are also available at prices that vary from region to region:

In Lomé :

Corn (2.5 kg bowl): 700 to 750 CFA francs

Gari: 1,000 CFA francs

Tapioca: 1,650 CFA francs

Beans: 2,300 to 2,500 CFA francs

Sorghum: 1,100 CFA francs

Soya: 1,200 CFA francs

Togoville (51 km from Lomé):

Corn (TOGOGBAN-type bowl, equivalent to two Lomé bowls with a small surplus): 450 CFA francs

Gari: 450 CFA francs

Tapioca: 800 CFA francs

Beans: 1,200 to 1,300 CFA francs

In Sokodé (central region):

Corn: 500 to 550 CFA francs

Millet: 1,050 CFA francs

Sorghum: 950 CFA francs

Sesame (peeled and unpeeled): 5,500 and 2,500 CFA francs respectively

In the Savanes region (Mango market):

Corn: 500 to 600 CFA francs

Peanut: 1,200 CFA francs

Sorghum: 900 CFA francs

Millet: 1,000 CFA francs

This price diversification illustrates the disparities between regions, often influenced by transport costs and proximity to production areas. For local markets and consumers alike, stability of supply remains a crucial issue in a context marked by regular fluctuations in food prices.