It is hard to say definitively if this is a permanent state, but current structural challenges like transportation costs, insecurity in farming belts, and currency volatility suggest that these prices are unlikely to drop to previous levels anytime soon. Rather than waiting for a return to the old normal, many of us are shifting our strategies to survive this period. Personally, I have moved toward bulk-buying staples like garri, beans, and grains directly from wholesale markets or local farmers to cut out middleman markups. I have also started prioritizing seasonal produce and batch-cooking meals to reduce food waste, which has been a lifesaver for my monthly budget. While it is incredibly taxing, learning to adapt through smarter sourcing and stricter meal planning has become the only way to keep the kitchen running during these times.