There are shortages of basic goods in Ivory Coast, while the price of others - including cocoa - has risen, as the election deadlock continues.
Meat, fish, petrol and cooking gas are running short, with many warehouses closed due to security fears.
Ivory Coast is the world's largest cocoa producer and prices have reportedly hit a four-month high.
West Africa's regional bloc Ecowas is to hold crisis talks, as world leaders urge Laurent Gbagbo to cede power.
They say opposition leader Alassane Ouattara won the 28 November poll.
As tensions mount, the UN is moving non-essential staff out of the country.
On Monday the African Union mediator, former South African President Thabo Mbeki, left Ivory Coast after two days of talks with the rival sides failed to end the deadlock.
Both Mr Gbagbo and Mr Ouattara have been sworn in as president and have each named cabinets.
The leader of the New Forces rebels is Mr Ouattara's prime minister but the government security forces are loyal to Mr Gbagbo, raising fears of renewed conflict.
Ivory Coast has been divided since a 2002 civil war. It used to be seen as a haven of peace and prosperity in West Africa.
The BBC's John James in the main city Abidjan says the election that was supposed to lead to an Ivorian renaissance is starting to look like a simple extension of the last 10-plus years of political instability. BBC News
