By MC Oliver Nyikyaa De Busy Brain

A weekly price survey conducted at Gwer Central (Aliade) Market on Friday, July 10, 2026, has revealed another week of mixed movements in food commodity prices, as traders point to fluctuating supply, rising transportation costs and seasonal conditions as major drivers of the changes.

ALIADE, BENUE — Consumers and traders at Gwer Central (Aliade) Market experienced another week of fluctuating food prices, with several staple commodities recording both increases and decreases compared with the previous market survey.

According to traders interviewed during the survey, inconsistent supplies from producing communities, increasing transportation costs and seasonal farming activities continue to influence market prices.

Among commodities that became cheaper, fresh groundnut declined from ₦48,000 to ₦42,000 per bag.

Melon (Egusi) also recorded a reduction, falling from ₦150,000 to ₦140,000 per bag, while the retail mudu price dropped to ₦1,000.

Guinea corn experienced one of the largest price decreases, dropping from ₦60,000 to ₦55,000 per bag, while the mudu price remained unchanged at ₦500.

Wholesale prices for local rice (Paddy), including the Gwari variety, also declined from ₦55,000 to ₦50,000 per bag, although the mudu price increased slightly to ₦1,200.

Beans offered further relief to buyers, selling for ₦60,000 per bag, compared with between ₦65,000 and ₦70,000 during the previous survey. The mudu price remained around ₦1,500.

However, several commodities became more expensive.

Benne seed increased from ₦160,000 to ₦170,000 per bag.

Millet rose sharply from ₦40,000 to ₦47,000 per bag, despite its mudu price standing at ₦700.

Maize also increased from ₦47,000 to ₦50,000 per bag, while the mudu price remained unchanged.

Similarly, soybeans climbed from ₦90,000 to ₦100,000 per bag.

Other commodities recorded during the survey include:
Garri — ₦30,000 per bag

Akpu — ₦1,200 per bag

Watermelon — ₦200–₦500 each, depending on size

Cracked Kernel — ₦43,000 per bag

Cassava Chips — ₦10,000 per bag

Castor Seed (Okpeyi/Gba-Aye) — ₦12,000 per mudu, while a bag ranged between ₦180,000 and ₦216,000.

Market participants said price movements remain unpredictable as traders adjust to transportation costs, seasonal availability and changing demand across food-producing communities.