Prices of every kind of fruit have risen in the capital on the plea of a supply shortage. In retail markets a kilogram of fruit is now selling for Tk 30 to 80 more than before.

Traders said supply had been disrupted because trucks carrying Indian goods did not cross the land ports during the Puja holidays. This hit the wholesale market, and retail prices rose from there. They expect prices to return to normal next week.

A visit to retail markets in the capital found South African Gala apples selling at Tk 450 a kg, up from Tk 400 a week ago. Chinese Gala apples have likewise risen to Tk 350, and ordinary white apples to Tk 250 a kg. Australian apples are up Tk 50 a kg at Tk 350.

The grape market is also under pressure. Black grapes are selling at Tk 480 a kg, Tk 40 to 60 more than last week, and white grapes sell at the same price. Red grapes have risen to Tk 380.

Pomegranates sell at Tk 450 to 600 a kg depending on size, Tk 50 to 80 more. Oranges sell at Tk 350 a kg and pears at Tk 320 to 350. The malta market, however, is stable, still selling at Tk 250 to 280 a kg.

Sellers say they are not making much profit. Najmus Islam, a fruit seller in Segunbagicha, said low supply at the wholesale depots was pushing up retail prices, and adding transport and labour costs meant charging Tk 10 to 20 more a kg.

Hossain, a fruit seller in Fakirapool, said the same. Every year during Puja, he said, trucks of goods do not come from India, so supply falls and prices rise. Now that Puja is over, prices will come down from next week.

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