Fruit Prices Climb in Capital Amid Claims of Supply Shortage by Traders

NN ONLINE:

Traders say fruit prices in the capital have climbed due to a supply shortage. In retail markets, fruit costs are now Tk 30 to 80 higher per kilogram than before.

The shortage stems from disruptions during the Durga Puja festival, when Indian-destined trucks at land ports were not operating. This bottleneck hit wholesale markets first and the effects have trickled down to retailers. Yet traders remain hopeful that prices will ease next week.

A tour of capital retail markets shows South African Gala apples at Tk 450 per kilogram, up from Tk 400 the previous week. China Gala apples are priced at Tk 350, while regular white apples have risen to Tk 250 per kilogram. Australian apples are available at Tk 350 per kilogram, up Tk 50.

Grapes are also more expensive. Black grapes are selling for Tk 480 per kilogram, an increase of Tk 40 to 60 from last week. White grapes hold the previous rate, while red grapes have climbed to Tk 380.

Pomegranates now range from Tk 450 to Tk 600 per kilogram, up Tk 50 to 80 depending on size. Oranges are priced at Tk 350 per kilogram, and pears go for Tk 320 to 350 per kilogram. The mandarin orange market, however, remains stable at Tk 250 to 280 per kilogram.

Sellers say they aren’t earning excessive profits. Nazmus Islam, a fruit vendor in Segunbagicha, explained that limited wholesale supply has pushed up retail prices, with transportation and labor costs adding Tk 10 to 20 per kilogram.

Hossain, a vendor from Fakirapool, agreed that Puja-time disruptions cause Indian goods-carrying trucks to halt, reducing supply and driving up prices. He expects prices to fall after the festival ends.