Takoradi, Nov 24, GNA - Prices of some commodities in the Sekondi/Takoradi and its environs have increased and this has left some consumers worried.

Many consumers suspect that the increase in prices is either due to the coming Christmas or the recent budget of the government.

Ms Georgina Acquaye, a sales person at Sensor-Wiafe Limited, said retailers had seen increases in commodities like sugar, rice and cooking oil. She said a bag of sugar, which was sold around GHC68, was now selling at GHC82, whiles a gallon of cooking oil which was sold at GHC58 was now selling at GHC61.

She said certain brands of rice including Texas and Uncle Sam are all selling at higher prices. Maame Konadu, a dealer in groceries, said there were price increases in oil and soaps.

She said soap that used to sell at three for one cedi now sells at one for 50 pesewa.

Mr. Daniel Ampomah, Manag ing Director, Rural Friends Limited, said before the budget was read, prices of items like Exeter Corned beef, rice and oil went up but generally the market prices were stable. Madam Millicent Ahun of Millicent Mother Care said too much rain had rather affected businesses. "We usually had three buying seasons per year - the New Year, Christmas and Easter - but the rains had affected this year's buying season. 24 Nov. 10