Fruit Prices Soar Beyond Public Reach Ahead of Ramadan, Artificial Hikes Reported

Economic Desk

There are still two months left before the start of Ramadan, but the prices of fruits in the capital’s markets have already skyrocketed. The prices of almost all imported fruits have been increased by Tk 30 to 60 per kg in the wholesale market, citing a “supply crisis”. This has also affected the retail market, where it has now become difficult for ordinary buyers to buy fruits.

On Saturday, November 1, a visit to the markets in the capital’s Moghbazar, Rampura, Malibagh, Motijheel, Shahjahanpur and Segunbagicha areas revealed that the prices of all imported fruits—apples, grapes, oranges, pomegranates, pears—had suddenly increased. However, the prices of local fruits remained relatively stable.

Abu Raihan, a vendor in Fakirapul, said, “The prices of almost all types of fruits have increased in the Badamtali wholesale market. There has also been a shortage of some fruits. In this situation, it seems that prices will increase further before Ramadan.”

But buyers are blaming the market syndicate for the increased prices. They allege that there is no real shortage in supply, but rather that prices are being increased by creating an artificial crisis before Ramadan.

Nahida Sabiha, a housewife from Arambagh, said, “It is still late for Ramadan. If the prices are like this now, then fruits will go beyond the reach of the common people during Ramadan. If the government does not take action now, the market will be terrible during Ramadan.”

Currently, per kg of malta is being sold in the capital’s market at 200-230 taka, oranges at 350-380 taka, pears at 300-330 taka, pineapples at 600-650 taka, grapes at 450-500 taka, and Parsi mango at 1,200 taka. The price of domestically produced dragon fruit has also increased and is being sold at 250-270 taka.

However, the domestic fruit market is relatively stable. Guava, papaya, olives, mangoes or amalaki are still being sold at the previous price – 80 to 150 taka per kg. Pineapple is available for 30-40 taka, and the price of a lemon is between 20-40 taka.

Market analysts say that this unreasonable price hike is not just part of seasonal business, but is a clear example of consumer rights violation. They believe that syndicates are active in the fruit market before Ramadan, but there is practically no government supervision.

According to consumer rights groups, “Raising prices despite no shortage of supply is an injustice to consumers. If the failure to regulate the market continues, fruits will be permanently removed from the common people’s diet during Ramadan.”