SW Commerce Delegate Steps in Amid Skyrocketing Rice Prices

By Daniel D. 

The South West Regional Delegate for Commerce, Binane Abanda, has stepped in to set new rice prices, owing to exorbitant increase in the prices over the past few months.

A list published by the Delegate on October 2 sets the price of a 25kg bag of Belle Grain rice at FCFA 12,800. The current price has surpassed FCFA 20,000.

The Delegate also puts the retail price for a 50kg bag of Thailand rice at FCFA 24,000, while the same quantity of Indian rice is to be retailed at FCFA 25,000.

The prices of perfumed rice slightly differ. The retail price for 25kg of perfume rice is set at FCFA 15,000, while 50kg of Bijou Thailand rice will now cost FCFA 30,000.

These price fixes are coming at a time when Cameronians are decrying an exorbitant rise in rice prices.

At the moment, a 50kg bag of rice costs at least FCFA 40,000, with some brands reaching up to FCFA 45,000.

The prices, however, vary between towns in the South West Region. In Fako Division, of the South West, the price hike is concerning.

Reports say the skyrocketing rice prices, particularly in Fako Division, owes to illegal exportation to Nigeria.