Rising cooking oil prices squeeze Addis Ababa's urban poor

Rising prices of cooking oil are forcing families and small businesses in Addis Ababa to make tough choices. Households are cutting back on consumption, altering dietary habits, or even pausing operations that can no longer afford costs. Retailers and wholesalers face an unpredictable market with no immediate signs of supply stabilization.

Soaring prices of cooking oil are putting pressure on families and small businesses across Addis Ababa. Households are reducing intake, shifting away from traditional diets, or halting ventures unable to bear the expenses. For retailers and wholesalers, the market's volatility persists, with supply unlikely to steady anytime soon, according to reports.

Last week around 8:00pm, Saba Aschalew was seen by her frying pan near the Gotera junction, highlighting the daily struggles amid these price hikes. This anecdote underscores how urban residents and entrepreneurs in the capital are grappling with the crisis. The unpredictable nature of cooking oil supply in Ethiopia exacerbates market competition and price fluctuations, bearing significant impact on city dwellers.

While the exact causes of the surge remain unclear from available details, the effects ripple through everyday life, forcing adaptations in consumption and business practices.

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Dramatic illustration of fiery oil tanker attack in Strait of Hormuz driving Brent crude prices over $100, with naval response, reserve releases, and India inflation impacts.
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West Asia conflict surges oil prices past $100 per barrel

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Brent crude oil prices have exceeded $100 a barrel amid Iranian attacks on commercial shipping and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency and the United States are releasing oil reserves to counter supply concerns. In India, the crisis is fueling inflation risks, higher agricultural input costs, and trade disruptions.

The conflict between Israel and Iran affects Ethiopia through global markets, currencies, and supply chains. With Ethiopia importing all its fuel, rising oil prices strain dollar reserves and household budgets. Everyday costs for transport and food are climbing as a result.

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In Addis Ababa's livestock markets, high prices driven by illegal checkpoints and inflation are overshadowing the festive preparations for Ethiopian Christmas on January 7. Families like those of Gizachew and Eshetu face tripled costs for oxen, forcing cutbacks on traditional celebrations. Government efforts to stabilize supplies have yet to ease the strain on households.

South Africa's Fuels Industry Association states that fuel supplies are stable but tight, especially for diesel, ahead of price increases on 1 April 2026. President Cyril Ramaphosa said he and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana are concerned about the situation. Taxi operators and consumers warn of impacts from hikes exceeding R5 per litre for petrol and nearly R10 for diesel.

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Shirika la Kitaifa la Takwimu Kenya (KNBS) limetolewa ripoti Ijumaa, Februari 27, ikionyesha ongezeko la bei za bidhaa muhimu, hasa mboga, huku mfumuko wa bei ukipungua kidogo. Wakenya watalazimika kukaza mishipi zaidi kutokana na gharama zinazoongezeka za chakula, afya na elimu.

Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources Gwede Mantashe says evolving tensions in the Middle East are negatively impacting global oil prices. Oil prices are expected to rise sharply next month due to the regional conflict. He made these remarks in his keynote address at the 5th annual Southern Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Cape Town.

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The US and Israeli strikes on Iran, which killed supreme leader Ali Khamenei, have led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a surge in oil and gold prices. This escalation is threatening South Africa's inflation control efforts and interest rate cuts. While higher oil prices pose risks, rising gold prices offer some economic benefits.

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