By Amadou Manjang
Consumers across The Gambia are feeling the pinch as prices of basic commodities continue to soar, with many lamenting the significant impact on their daily lives. The persistent fluctuation and steady increase in the cost of staple goods such as rice, sugar, onions, and cooking oil have become a major source of concern for households and market vendors alike.
A review by FactCheck Gambia shows that between 2020 and 2024, the prices of these essentials have never remained fixed. During the height of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, a bag of rice cost D1,250, a bag of sugar D2,050, and a 20-liter gallon of cooking oil was also out of reach for many. Each subsequent year brought further increases: by 2021, the price of rice had risen to D1,300 and sugar to D2,250. This trend continued into 2022, with rice costing D1,600 and sugar D2,400. By 2023, a bag of rice reached D1,800, and in 2024, prices spiked sharply to D2,250 for rice and D2,600 for sugar. Cooking oil and onions followed similar trajectories, with prices climbing steadily.
In 2025, a survey of markets and shops in the Greater Banjul Area by Foroyaa revealed that the average retail prices for Sadam rice, American rice, cooking oil, and onions have continued to edge upwards, with only rice prices showing a slight moderation compared to other essentials.
For many Gambians, these increases are unsustainable. “Things are costly because prices keep increasing year after year,” said Pateh Bah, a local consumer. He pointed out that while the prices of goods rise, the average salary remains stagnant, making it harder for families to cope.
Single mother and market vendor Ida Jobe shared her struggles: “Over the years, I have been forced to cut costs because it is getting harder to buy rice and vegetables.” Jobe explained that the price hikes have made it challenging to provide enough food for her family.
Civil servant Musa Manneh echoed these concerns, saying, “It is becoming more and more difficult for families. My salary is not able to take care of all my family’s needs.” He added that the current price hikes are making life increasingly difficult for many Gambians.
Another consumer, Aja Saidy, highlighted the lack of price control in local markets, noting, “Prices are always fluctuating. This creates uncertainty and concern for people trying to make ends meet.”
Buba Touray, a father of two, described the impact of price fluctuations on his household. “It is difficult to provide food, pay school fees, and cover health bills from my salary. Inflation has a great impact on our lives. The increases in basic commodity prices do not match the average salaries of Gambians.”
As inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of ordinary citizens, many are calling on authorities to address the price instability and implement measures to protect vulnerable consumers from the ongoing crisis.
