Prices of key animal products in Ethiopia climbed by up to 20 percent between December 2025 and January 2026, even as overall food costs edged lower during the same period, according to Capital Newspaper, which cited the latest Joint Market Monitoring Initiative report.

Cow milk and raw fish recorded the sharpest increases, each rising by 20 percent within a month. Goat meat prices advanced by 14 percent and eggs by 5 percent. In total, meat and dairy products registered gains ranging from 14 percent to 20 percent.

The surge came against a backdrop of marginal national relief in broader consumption indicators. The median cost of the Minimum Expenditure Basket for a six-person household declined by 1 percent. Aggregate food prices dipped by 0.4 percent, while non-food item costs fell by 3 percent. Overall national expenditure decreased by 1 percent over the one-month period.

Seasonal harvests played a central role in easing prices of crop-based foods. Onion prices dropped by 25 percent and tomatoes by 20 percent, improving the availability of vegetables and staple grains in several regions, including Tigray, Amhara, South Ethiopia, Gambella, Addis Ababa and Southwest Ethiopia.

Despite these gains, supply conditions for animal products remained constrained. Nearly 30 percent of meat and fish vendors reported serious sourcing challenges. Among the main factors identified were domestic transport constraints, cited by 33 percent of vendors, capital shortages at 28 percent and reduced production levels at 22 percent.

Market access issues have also affected consumers. Vendors reported that vulnerable households are struggling to reach marketplaces due to movement restrictions and security concerns.

Regional price trends varied. Benishangul-Gumuz posted the highest monthly increase in consumer basket costs at 11 percent, followed by Somali at 9 percent and Oromia at 6 percent. By contrast, Tigray and Amhara recorded slight declines in overall basket costs, reflecting improved harvest-related supply.

Market functionality data pointed to widespread operational challenges. Nationwide, 52 percent of assessed markets were described as operating poorly. Gambella registered a market functionality rate of 0 percent, indicating severe disruption. Amhara and Afar also reported significant difficulties, with 74 percent and 67 percent of markets respectively classified as struggling.

Looking ahead, 68 percent of food vendors expect prices to increase again next month, citing currency fluctuations and continued market uncertainty. Humanitarian organisations have called for sustained monitoring to track price movements and adjust assistance programmes to ensure vulnerable households retain access to essential food items, Capital Newspaper reported.