STONE DEALERS SHUT OPERATIONS IN EBONYI STATE OVER INCESSANT PRICE HIKE.

Stone Dealers Association and Truck Owners Association in IVO Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, have shut down their businesses to protest an increase in the price of materials by Chinese firms operating in the mineral-rich local government.

The two associations also shut down businesses to protest an increase in transport fees by the Chinese firms and vowed not to start operations until the prices of the materials and haulage were reduced.

The chairman of the AMAEZE chapter of the IVO Association of Stone Dealers NJOKU UCHECHI said they were protesting the incessant increment in the price of materials in the business which he said was severely affecting the association, adding that they have lost their customers to neighboring villages like LOKPANTA and UTURU in Abia State.

UCHECHI said they were paying 4,000 Naira per ton after which the Chinese increased it to 9,500 Naira, 12,900 Naira, and this time around, 18,300 per ton which they cannot afford.