In N’Djamena, the rising cost of construction materials is now a major hurdle for households and businesses alike. Quincailleries across the capital are reporting steep price hikes that have made even basic building supplies unaffordable for many.
Sudden price surge disrupts building projects
Several essential materials have seen dramatic increases in recent weeks. Lambour, which was previously priced at 3,000 FCFA, now sells between 4,500 and 5,000 FCFA. Chevron has jumped from 6,000 to 9,000 FCFA, while white boards have surged from 9,000 to 14,000 FCFA. Even the widely used Dangote cement bag now carries a price tag of 11,000 FCFA.
Customs duties drive up costs for suppliers
Local hardware store owners point to higher import taxes as the main culprit behind the sharp cost increases. They explain that these new customs tariffs have nearly doubled the expenses involved in bringing materials into the country, forcing retailers to pass those costs directly onto consumers.
Mahamat, a quincaillerie manager, shares his perspective: « The prices have skyrocketed because customs duties have more than doubled. We’re struggling to keep up with the rising supply costs, and there’s no end in sight.»
