Madar (N'Djamena) - Cooking oil prices have been rising for several days in markets in the Chadian capital N'Djamena, with a 1.5-litre bottle that used to sell for 1,750 CFA francs now going for 2,100 to 2,200 francs, news site Tchadinfos reported on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
Locally produced oil has also gone up, from 1,500 to 1,750 francs, the site said, worrying consumers, some of whom say they are struggling to buy enough to cook their meals.
"Oil has become very expensive. Before, 150 francs bought enough to make a sauce. But for the past few days, even with 250 francs it is hard to get enough. We don't know why prices have gone up and traders give no explanation," one shopper said. Another said everything was going up at the market and called for a solution before the situation worsened.
Traders blame higher purchase prices, some citing difficulties in fuel supplies, without being able to pinpoint the cause. "The 20-litre can I used to buy for 23,000 francs now costs 26,000. The increase was sudden, and we traders don't know the exact reason ourselves," said an oil seller named Papou.
Maize, rice and pasta are also among products reported to have risen in price, Tchadinfos said, even though the government announced exemptions from import duties and taxes on cereals on 9 September.
