Rising fuel prices are emerging as a key driver behind the sharp increase in food commodity prices in Techiman, with residents and traders warning of mounting economic pressure on households and small businesses.
A market survey at the Techiman Central Market indicates that recent upward adjustments in petroleum prices have significantly increased transportation costs, triggering a chain reaction across the food supply system from farm gates to urban markets.
Residents say the cost of moving goods has risen sharply, forcing traders to pass on the burden to consumers through higher prices for basic food items.
Madam Elizabeth Gekere, a vegetable seller, explained that transport fares have surged, making it more expensive to bring produce from farming communities into the market.
“Transport alone has gone up, and that reflects directly in the prices we charge. It is becoming difficult for both sellers and buyers,” she said.
The increase in fuel prices has also affected logistics within the market system, including distribution and storage, further compounding price pressures.
Beyond transport, farmers are also facing rising production costs due to higher prices of agrochemicals, seedlings, and other inputs many of which are influenced by fuel-related costs in manufacturing and distribution.
This has led to higher farm gate prices, which cascade through the value chain and ultimately raise retail prices in urban markets like Techiman.
“Everything is expensive now, even water. It is affecting how we live and do business,” Madam Gekere added.
Traders also linked the surge in fuel prices to global developments, particularly geopolitical tensions affecting energy supply chains.
Madam Amina Yakubu Mohammed another trader noted that international conflicts, including tensions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, have contributed to fuel price increases globally, with spillover effects on Ghana’s economy.
“Fuel prices are rising everywhere, not just in Ghana. But it is the ordinary person who is feeling the impact the most,” she said.
The impact of fuel price hikes is further evident in increased transport fares on major routes from Techiman to cities such as Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, and Tamale.
Higher fares are raising the cost of moving both people and goods, reinforcing inflationary pressures across multiple sectors.
For small businesses, the situation is becoming increasingly unsustainable.
Mr Awuni Atambugri, a cobbler at the Techiman Central Lorry Station, said rising fuel costs have pushed up the prices of raw materials, threatening the survival of his business.
“The cost of materials keeps going up, and customers cannot afford higher prices. It is affecting our work,” he lamented.
Residents say the combined effect of rising food and transport costs is eroding purchasing power, with many households struggling to afford basic meals.
Some warned that if the trend continues, it could deepen food insecurity and worsen living conditions, particularly for low-income families.
Traders and residents are calling on government to take urgent measures to stabilise fuel prices and cushion the impact on transport and food systems.
Analysts say addressing fuel price volatility is critical to controlling food inflation, given the strong link between energy costs and supply chain dynamics in Ghana’s economy.
Without government intervention, stakeholders warn that rising fuel costs will continue to drive food prices upward, placing sustained pressure on both businesses and households.
