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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Bustling Addis Abeba street with mobile produce stalls from repurposed trucks and bikes, accented by green-themed murals, illustrating urban renewal.
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Mobile stalls and murals transform Addis Abeba streets

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In Addis Abeba, white pickup trucks and bicycles are being repurposed into clean mobile markets selling fresh produce, while vibrant murals promote green urban renewal. These innovations offer practical solutions for vendors and add artistic hope to gritty cityscapes. Over 1,700 such Sunday markets now sustain the capital's weekly food supply.

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.

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Rising furniture prices in Addis Abeba highlight challenges for local manufacturers amid economic pressures. Workshops face forex shortages, policy delays, and supply chain issues affecting the urban economy. Stories from firms like Posh Woodwork and Zerufam Industry illustrate the growing vulnerabilities.

Fuel prices are moving in opposite directions today amid recent geopolitical developments that have rattled global oil markets. Diesel will increase by P0.20 per liter and kerosene by P0.10, while gasoline will decrease by P0.10, according to major oil companies.

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Addis Abeba’s ride-hailing drivers are facing mounting obstacles as the city’s rapid urban transformation limits space for app-based mobility. Platforms like Feres, Ride, and Yango lack designated pick-up and drop-off areas. City policies prohibit stops at public bus terminals and main roads, leading to penalties in busy areas.

Ukame unaoongezeka umesababisha mazao kukauka na bei za chakula kupanda katika kaunti za Mlima Kenya, ikiongeza hatari ya njaa. Wakulima kama Gerald Murira katika Meru wamelipoteza mavuno yao kutokana na mvua duni. Serikali inahamasisha misaada lakini wakazi wanalalamika juu ya usambazaji usio wa haki.

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Ethiopia's Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration has advised the public to shop using market centers and digital platforms to avoid unnecessary expenses. This approach aims to reduce pressure on citizens during the holiday season.

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