Fruit is selling at high prices in Khulna's markets during Ramadan. Prices of various imported fruits have risen by Tk 20 to Tk 50 a kg, while local fruit remains cheaper, so buyers are purchasing more of it. Buyers and sellers blame each other over the prices.

A visit to the fruit markets at Moylapota, Rupsha, New Market and Daulatpur in Khulna found apples selling at Tk 280–360 a kg, malta at Tk 280–290, Chinese oranges at Tk 320, green grapes at Tk 440–460, red grapes at Tk 600 and pomegranates at Tk 420–500.

Among local fruits, watermelon is selling at Tk 30–40 a kg, pineapple at Tk 50–60 a pair, guava at Tk 80–100 and ripe papaya at Tk 120–150 a kg.

Kawsar Molla, a fruit trader at Moylapota crossing, said imported fruit is always a little more expensive, and prices move by Tk 20–30 through the year depending on VAT, taxes and transport costs.

Imdad Khalifa, a fruit trader in Rupsha, said guava is dear now because hybrid guavas are scarce in the market compared with demand. Unless duties are cut, there is no chance of other imported fruit getting cheaper, he said.

Yakub Howlader, a watermelon trader at Kadamtala crossing in the city, said watermelon is much cheaper than last time. Some is selling at Tk 25 a kg, and slightly bigger ones at Tk 30 to Tk 40 a kg.

Buyer Abul Khayer Bashar said people already struggle to buy other food, and fruit is like a dream for the middle class. A single watermelon costs Tk 200–250, though watermelon is a little cheaper than in other years; this time last year it sold at Tk 80–100 a kg.

Housewife Papia Khatun said apples, oranges, malta and grapes are sky-high. Although fruit is rich in vitamins, the middle class struggle to keep it in their diet, so they have to buy watermelon, pineapple and local green malta.

Nosher Mia, a wholesale fruit trader at Boro Bazar, said imported fruit is always a little more expensive, mainly because of additional duties. As wholesalers they earn a little more on big consignments, but the fruit business is not very profitable now, he said.

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