Traders blame increased food prices on rising cost of fuel, others 

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For weeks now, several economists and stakeholders have predicted that prices of fuel and food will continue to rise following tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the cedi’s depreciation against the dollar.

The prices of some key commodities have been on the rise, and the cost of food and fuel has increased astronomically.

With fuel, in particular, many have blamed it on international market prices, which have been worsened by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

For weeks now, several economists and stakeholders have predicted that prices of fuel and food will continue to rise following tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the cedi’s depreciation against the dollar.

The prices of some key commodities have been on the rise, and the cost of food and fuel has increased astronomically.

With fuel, in particular, many have blamed it on international market prices, which have been worsened by the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.

Already, Ghanaians are bearing the brunt of the tensions on the price of fuel, which has affected transport fares.

Others have also blamed the situation on the cedi which has depreciated by about 7.6 percent to the dollar from January 1 to February 25 this year alone.

These factors have in turn had a huge impact on the prices of food.

Recent data by the Ghana Statistical Services showed that food inflation regained its dominance to record a 17.4 percent in February out of a national average of 15.7 percent.

Food inflation’s contribution to total inflation increased from 44.2 percent in January this year to almost 50 percent in February.

Data from commodity analyst, Esoko Ghana, proves that groundnut for instance which used to sell at the Tamale market for GHS400 per 82kg bag as at January, now goes for GH¢500 for the same quantity. A 100kg bag of maize which used to sell at GH¢280 as at January now sells at GH¢350 for the same quantity.

Further checks on other products in other industries also revealed that prices have increased across board. The building and construction industry for instance has seen an increment in the cost of iron rods, cement, blocks, roofing sheets etc.