The recent fuel price hike, which has led to economic hardship across the country, has taken a toll on restaurant owners in Owerri, Imo State, with many reporting low patronage and reduced sales.
Mrs. Ngozi Njoku, owner of Njoku’s Kitchen, a popular restaurant in Owerri, lamented that the economy is not improving and the cost of food ingredients in the market is exorbitant.
She told INNONEWS that since the fuel price increased, sales have dropped significantly
“Costs of food ingredients have increased. Also, the cost of transportation is almost double; as a result, we are compelled to increase the price of the food we serve to customers,” she said.
According to her, a plate of rice without meat goes for N500, while with two meats cost N1,500.
“We’ve had to increase our prices, but customers are not willing to pay more, and some customers prefer to eat without meat to save cost. We need relief from the fuel price hike,” Mrs. Njoku appealed.
Mr. Emmanuel Ibe, another restaurant owner at Tetlow Road, said restaurant owners are struggling to stay afloat.
“We’re operating at a loss,” said Mr. Ibe.
“Customers are now eating without meat, opting for cheaper options. The fuel price hike has increased the cost of ingredients, making it difficult for most restaurants to maintain their menus.
“We’ve had to remove some dishes from our menu,” Ibe noted.
This newspaper observed that most Owerri residents are feeling the pinch of the economic hardship, with many opting for home-cooked meals.
“I used to eat out regularly, but now I cook at home,” said Ms. Chioma Okoro.
Some other restaurant owners who spoke to INNONEWS called on the government to intervene.
Another eatery owner, Greg Onuoha, called on the Imo State Government to provide support to the hospitality industry in the state.
“We’re struggling to survive,” Onuoha stressed.
“Cost of running my local eatery is exorbitant because I buy fuel to power generators to ensure we have electricity to make customers feel comfortable when eating.
” We are running a big loss. Profit is difficult to come by because customers patronage has dropped and those who manage to come, reduce the choice of what they want to eat, preferring to eat without meat or fish” he said.