Retail prices of imported fruits have surged in Cox’s Bazar during the holy month of Ramadan, with traders and consumers saying that the prices of apples, malta, oranges, grapes, and dates have increased by Tk50 to Tk70 per kilogram.
A visit to several markets in the town on Sunday (March 8) showed that, depending on quality, oranges were selling for Tk340–Tk350 per kg, Fuji apples for Tk350, green apples for Tk450, malta for Tk320, and grapes for Tk480-Tk650 per kg. Pomegranates were selling at Tk600 per kg, pears at Tk400, papaya at Tk130, and guava at Tk120.
Retail traders attributed the increase to higher wholesale prices, rising transportation costs, and limited market supply.
Prices of Malta, apples, and grapes have also risen over the past week in the wholesale fruit market at Station Road in Chattogram.
However, some buyers alleged that a section of traders often creates an artificial shortage during Ramadan, pushing prices up, which exacerbates the already high costs driven by other factors such as wholesale prices and transportation costs.
Mohammad Alamgir, president of the Cox’s Bazar Fruit Traders’ Association and proprietor of Bhai Bhai Fruit Bitan, said the cost of importing fruits from India had increased compared with earlier periods. “Demand for fruits rises significantly during Ramadan. When supply cannot keep pace with the demand, prices naturally go up,” he said.
Hasan Al Maruf, assistant director of the district office of the Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection, said that if complaints are received, purchase vouchers for the shops will be checked, and necessary action will be taken if any irregularities are found.
By Abdu Rashid Manik
Photo: Abdu Rashid Manik
