The prices of almost all local and foreign fruit have risen in the markets before the holy month of Ramadan. Foreign fruit such as apples and malta have risen by about Tk 40 to 60, and local fruit such as bananas and plums by Tk 20 to 50.

A visit to various markets in the capital on Wednesday (18 February) showed that bananas are selling for Tk 20 to 50 more a dozen, depending on the variety. A dozen Sagar bananas now sells for Tk 150, against Tk 120 a few days ago.

Sabri bananas are selling for Tk 150 to 160 a dozen, and Bangla bananas for Tk 100 to 120, up to Tk 50 more than before.

Although the watermelon season has not fully begun, sellers are asking Tk 70 to 90 a kg depending on size. Guavas have risen to Tk 100 to 150 a kg depending on size, and pineapples are selling for Tk 40 to 60 each, depending on size.

Seasonal plums are selling for Tk 120 to 200 a kg, and local papaya for Tk 80 to 100 a kg. The prices of these fruits have risen sharply over the past two to three days.

Among foreign fruit, dates, malta and apples are in the greatest demand during Ramadan. Malta and apples have risen by up to Tk 60. Malta is now selling for Tk 320 to 360 a kg, up from Tk 280 to 300. Apples cost Tk 360 to 400 a kg, depending on the type.

Traders say that just as Ramadan has raised demand for fruit, the election has disrupted supply somewhat, and transport costs have risen several times over. There are also allegations of syndicates raising prices in various wholesale markets.

Rampura fruit seller Jamedul Haque said: "Everyone buys fruit during Ramadan, but there is not that much fruit supply in the wholesale market. We are buying fruit from the wholesale market at Tk 20 to 50 more."

A buyer named Mohiuddin Chowdhury said: "Prices of all essentials rising on the eve of Ramadan seems to be an inevitable custom. The same trend is seen this time too; it has been no exception. The government must give importance to monitoring this."

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.