RAJSHAHI, Mar 8: Fruit prices in the district have started to rise, making it difficult for many consumers to afford essential fruits.
According to market sources, the surge in fruit prices is also leading to a decrease in sale. Traders have indicated that the prices of fruits are likely to continue increasing throughout the Ramadan, leaving many fasting families unable to purchase fruits.
To address this issue, the Bangladesh Tariff Commission has recommended reducing import taxes on items like apples, oranges, grapes, pomegranates, pears, and other fruits during the Ramadan in an effort to keep prices affordable for the general public.
General consumers have expressed frustration over the rising prices, with traders asking for Tk 30-50 more per kilogram (kg) for popular fruits like apples, oranges, grapes, and malta. So, many are finding it difficult to purchase these fruits.
On a recent visit to the Sahebbazar area of the city, private job holder Suman Ahmed shared his experience. "I bought fruits for my sick mother and two sons, but I couldn't purchase as much as I used to. Few days back, I bought medium-sized oranges for Tk 260 per kg, but now they're at Tk 290. The price of apples has increased from Tk 290 to Tk 320," he said.
Retail fruit traders in Sahebbazar, Laxmipur, Railgate, Binodpur, Kajla, and in front of the Medical College are selling apples at Tk 300-320 per kg, while oranges are selling at Tk 280-300 per kg, compared to Tk 250 last year.
Chinese oranges are selling at Tk 320 per kg, while malta is priced at Tk 280-300, up from Tk 250-260 last week. Green grapes are selling at Tk 460 per kg, and red grapes are selling at Tk 600 per kg.
Nazmul Hossain from Laxmipur said, "I stopped buying fruits a while ago because of the excessive prices. I'm visiting a patient in the hospital today, that is why I've come to buy some fruits, but I'm shocked by the prices."
Shamim Hasan, another local resident, said, "I usually buy fruits for my family, but over the past week, prices have gone up. During the Ramadan, fruit prices always rise, but now we can't afford them due to the increase in prices."
Amir Hossain, a fruit wholesaler, said, the increase in import duties has contributed to a decrease in fruit imports by about 30 per cent. Following the recent hike in supplementary duties, fruit imports have dropped by an additional 20-25 per cent, leading to price hikes of Tk 20-30 per kg for many fruits. Some fruits have seen price increase by more than Tk 50 per kg.
Black grapes are now selling at Tk 530 per kg in wholesale markets, up from Tk 500. Prices of small pomegranates have increased to Tk 480 per kg from Tk 450, and pears are now selling at Tk 288 per kg, compared to the previous price of Tk 270-280.
Nazim Uddin, a member of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Association, expressed concerns over the classification of fruits as luxury items.
He pointed out that in the last year, the National Board of Revenue (NBR) increased supplementary duties on fruits in three phases.
"Apple, grapes, and oranges are essential for children and patients," he said. "How can fruits be considered luxury items? It is inconceivable," he added.
With fruit prices rising significantly in Rajshahi, many consumers are struggling to afford basic fruits in the Ramadan.
