Dhaka, Mar 08 (V7N) –Consumers are increasingly opting for domestic fruits due to their affordability and fresh quality.

Shoppers at various kitchen markets in the capital told UNB that they are purchasing more local fruits this year, drawn by their freshness and reasonable prices.

 

A visit to different markets revealed an abundant supply of seasonal fruits such as watermelon, pineapple, plum, wood apple, sweet sop, strawberry, custard apple, muskmelon, gooseberry and sapodilla.

Razzak Mia, a fruit vendor at Karwan Bazar, said the demand for local fruits has surged during Ramadan, as customers find them both fresh and budget-friendly.

"The prices of domestic fruits are lower compared to previous years, leading to higher sales during Ramadan," said Razzak, who has been selling fruits at Karwan Bazar for the past 12 years.

Fresh fruit traders noted that they are maintaining marginal profits this Ramadan to ensure affordability for all consumers.

Meanwhile, dates were selling at Tk400 to Tk1,600 per kg, depending on quality and brand.

But their prices dropped by Tk60 to Tk200 per kg ahead of Ramadan.

Nuruddin Ahmed, secretary of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importer Association (BFFIA), told UNB that the prices of imported fruits have remained stable at both wholesale and retail levels due to increased supply.

"Despite tax complications, traders have imported a large volume of fruits as Ramadan marks the peak season for fruit sales. This has ensured that imported fruits are available at reasonable prices," he said.

 

On Thursday, fruit prices in the market were as follows: watermelon is Tk40–50 per kg based on quality and size, pineapple is Tk40–70 per piece, plum is Tk80–140 per kg, wood apple is Tk60–100 per piece, sweet sop is Tk250–350 per kg, strawberry is Tk400–500 per kg, gooseberry (amloki) is Tk240 per kg, and muskmelon is Tk80–100 per piece.

While imported fruit prices have generally remained stable, apple and date prices have slightly increased based on quality.

Among imported fruits, orange is Tk320–360 per kg, malta is Tk280 per kg, green apple is Tk420 per kg, China Fuji apple is Tk320–340 per kg, pomegranate (dalim) is Tk350–400 per kg, white pear (nashpati) is Tk330–360 per kg, green pear is Tk400–450 per kg, and red and black grapes are Tk450–500 per kg.

Among other kitchen essentials, the prices of lemons, cucumbers, chicken, meat and fish remained high but stable in the capital on Thursday.

But the prices of chickpeas, lentils, dates, puffed rice (muri), onions, garlic and various vegetables showed a declining trend.

Consumers noted that while the prices of some Ramadan-specific items have remained stable, the cost of daily essentials continues to rise, despite government efforts to reduce tax and VAT.

 

Prices also vary depending on the market location.

Market crowds have increased significantly, with many consumers expressing frustration over the higher prices of essentials, fish and meat.

Meanwhile, the price of loose edible oil rose slightly. Traders attributed this to a short supply of bottled soybean oil.

On Thursday, loose palm oil was selling at Tk150 per kg, and bottled soybean oil was priced at Tk175 per liter.

END/MSS/AJ