Unrest in Madang affecting betel nut sellers

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE recent unrest in Madang has put strain on betel nut sellers, traders and chewers in Lae and the Highlands provinces.
The National yesterday visited the main betel nut markets in Lae and found that prices have gone up with a dramatic drop in supply from Madang and East Sepik over the last few days.
Both sellers and buyers experienced loss of business as the supply chain was cut off in Madang following last weekend’s conflict.
A seller at 9-Mile market outside Lae, Danny Joseph, said they had not received new supplies from Madang and East Sepik.
“Most of us here depend on the sale of this commodity to make our living every day,” he said.
“We may have to wait for some days before normalcy returns and Madang (Ramu) Highway is open again.”
Joseph said despite a constant supply from Northern by sea, most buyers preferred betelnut from Madang and East Sepik.
Kamkumung and 13A markets were low on stock yesterday with the average price being K2 for four nuts.
It is also understood other businesses are also feeling the pinch of the Rmu Highway being blocked off by local people.
The conflict started after a teacher from Southern Highlands was beheaded on Monday night last week at Bau Primary School.