Restaurant owners in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say the high cost of fuel is negatively impacting their businesses and have urged the federal government to address the problem.
In an interview in Abuja on Sunday, they said that the increase in the price of fuel has led to a rise in transportation fares, which has also led to high food prices.
Judith Akor, said “Two months ago, I used to sell a plate of food for N500, but now I sell a plate for between N800 and N900 depending on the type of food. Patronage has also dropped and this has affected my income as I do not make much profit.
“I know it may be difficult for the price of things to come down but the government should at least address the issue of fuel increase because many businesses are affected directly or indirectly,” she added.
Similarly, Deborah John, who described local restaurants as the heartbeat of many communities, said that restaurant owners were struggling to cope with the increase in fuel and prices of foodstuffs.
“The fuel hike has increased our operational costs significantly, we are paying more for transportation, food items, cooking gas and even charcoal.
“So I am not getting as much income as expected because of low patronage from customers.
“The government needs to address the increase in fuel price. They need to increase and upgrade storage facilities, and repair our refineries,” she said.
Ngozi Eze, another restaurant owner, said that “As of three months ago before the increase in fuel, I sold a plate of rice for N500, but I now sell it at N1, 000.
“If I don’t sell at this price I cannot pay my workers or even provide for my family. I plead with the government to do the right thing and stop punishing the poor masses. We are suffering.
“If only the federal government can address this issue, It will be better for all citizens because everyone is affected,” she said.
Likita Faith, another restaurant owner, said she had to increase her food prices by 10 to 15 per cent to enable her to make some profit and pay her staff.
She said that some of her customers now buy food without meat or reduce the quantity of food so that they can at least have a meal to eat in a day.
“We have adjusted our staffing and operational hours. However, it is challenging, but we are still committed to providing quality food and services.
“We are exploring ways to reduce expenses without compromising the quality of our food.
“The government should settle this issue of fuel increase to make things easier for Nigerians who are already finding it difficult to make ends meet,” she said.
Latest statistics on food prices for August 2024 as revealed by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed a significant increase in the prices of beans, yam, garri, onions, rice, eggs and other food items.
(NAN)
