N’Djamena is currently witnessing a significant escalation in the prices of essential building materials across hardware stores, posing considerable challenges for both residential and commercial construction ventures.
Numerous products have seen substantial price hikes in recent weeks. For instance, the cost of lambour, previously around 3,000 FCFA, has now escalated to between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Chevron prices have jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while planche blanche has increased from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. A single bag of Dangote cement is now retailing for 11,000 FCFA.
Hardware store managers attribute this sharp increase in prices primarily to higher customs duties imposed on imported goods. They explain that these new tariffs have significantly driven up procurement expenses, impacting the overall African economy today.
“The prices have surged because the new customs tariffs have effectively doubled,” stated Mahamat, who manages a local hardware establishment, reflecting the widespread concern among suppliers.
