Fruit prices go up at Amtali

AMTALI, BARGUNA, Nov 4: Prices of both imported and locally grown fruits have risen sharply in markets in Amtali Upazila of Barguna, putting many varieties beyond the reach of ordinary consumers.

According to fruit traders, oranges are selling at Tk 550 per kg, malta oranges at Tk 480-500, apples at Tk 350-400, grapes at Tk 450 and pomegranates at Tk 450-500.

A coconut costs Tk 100-150 each, ripe papayas Tk 60-80 per kg, dragon fruit Tk 140-160 per kg and guavas Tk 70-80 per kg. Locally grown malta oranges are selling at Tk 70-80 per kg. Among other local fruits, Katimon mangoes cost Tk 200 per kg, while watermelons are selling at Tk 70-80 per kg.

Fruit traders said prices were higher than in previous years, as they had to buy fruits at higher rates from wholesale markets and pass the increased costs on to consumers.

Mohammad Nasir Uddin, who came to buy fruits, said prices of both local and imported varieties had risen excessively this year.

“Fruits have become unaffordable for ordinary people like us. There is no consistency between our income and the prices of goods,” he said.

Jakir Hossain, a fruit trader in the Amtali municipal town, said prices were high this year because of increased wholesale costs.

He added that selling fruits at high prices was risky, as unsold stock could rot and cause losses.

Amtali Upazila Nirbahi Officer and Executive Magistrate Hasan Md Hafizur Rahman said legal action would be taken through mobile courts if traders charged consumers excessive prices.