Fruit prices have risen in Cox’s Bazar amid the ongoing dengue outbreak, with traders reporting particularly sharp increases in the prices of oranges, malta and pomegranates.
The price of oranges has risen by as much as Tk200 per kilogram in just one week, while coconut prices have also increased around the hospital area, according to local fruit sellers.
A visit to several fruit shops in Cox’s Bazar town on Monday afternoon found that demand for fruits and other liquid foods had increased as relatives bought them for dengue patients. Traders said higher demand, coupled with increased procurement costs and supply pressures, had pushed up retail prices.
Currently, apples are selling for Tk300–400 per kilogram, while oranges and malta are priced at Tk350–550. Pomegranates are selling for Tk550–600 per kilogram and guavas for around Tk100–120.
Ripe papayas are selling for Tk140–170 per kilogram, watermelons for Tk120–140, and bananas for Tk120–180 per dozen. Depending on size, coconuts are being sold for Tk150–220 each.
The higher prices are forcing relatives of dengue patients to spend more on fruits and coconut water, which are commonly purchased for patients recovering from the disease.
Shim ul Pal, owner of Shimul Foods Shop, said orange prices had increased significantly over the past week.
“Oranges were previously selling for Tk300–350 per kilogram, but now we have to sell the same oranges for as much as Tk550,” he said, adding that higher prices at the supply level had affected retail prices.
Sirajul Islam Azad, owner of Badr Shah Fruit Bitan, said pomegranate prices had increased by around Tk100 per kilogram over the past week, while guava prices had risen by about Tk40.
“Demand for fruits has increased, but our purchase costs have also gone up. So we have to sell them at higher prices,” he said.
The manager of Shihab Fruit Bitan said relatives regularly bought fruits for patients from nearby hospitals.
“Customers now have to spend more because fruit prices have increased. Oranges and malta have seen particularly sharp increases. Since we are buying them at higher prices, it is difficult to sell them cheaply,” he said.
Meanwhile, coconut prices have also increased at the fruit market along Cox’s Bazar Sadar Hospital Road. Sellers said they were having to pay more to procure coconuts from rural areas.
Ariful Islam, a coconut seller on the hospital road, said transportation and other costs had also added to the overall expense.
“We are buying coconuts from villages at higher prices; after adding transport and other costs, we sell them for only a limited profit. A medium-sized coconut currently costs Tk170–200,” he said.
Traders said fruit and coconut sales were relatively high in areas around hospitals because of demand from dengue patients and their relatives. However, rising prices were forcing many buyers to purchase fruits more selectively than before.
Dr Tousif Uddin Mizbah, assistant surgeon at Teknaf Upazila Health Complex, said dengue patients could suffer from dehydration, making adequate fluid intake important.
“Following medical advice, patients should take adequate fluids, water, coconut water and nutritious foods. Fruits such as oranges, malta, guava, papaya and pomegranate can also be eaten in moderation,” he said.
He added that a patient’s diet should be determined based on their physical condition, age, and other illnesses. He also advised preferring fresh fruits and adequate fluids over excessively sweet foods or packaged juices.
By Tarekur Rahman
Photo: Tarekur Rahman
