The Gambia government has announced the importation of 139 containers of basic commodities in a bid to address the rising food prices.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment said the importation of the food containers is part of the “government on-going efforts to ensuring availability of affordable essential commodities” in the country.

“The National Food Security and Marketing Corporation (Formerly GGC) was encouraged to intervene in the importation of Essential Commodities with a view to increasing the supply base of these commodities which would also contribute to price stability in the market,” the ministry said on Monday. 

“The Corporation has accepted the challenge and imported 139 containers of edible cooking oil (MADINA Cooking Oil IV 57 with Vitamin A). 

“These quantities are currently available in stock at the Corporation Head Office at Denton Bridge,” it added. 

The Gambia is currently besets by an economic crisis with a sharp rise in food and fuel costs. 

The average Gambian struggles to put food on the table as many are poorly paid and the salaries have risen in line with skyrocketing inflation.

Unemployment is also high among the youths fuelling mass migration and an increase in the crime rate.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba