Fruits, vegetable prices up ahead of Eid Al Adha

Manama : Fruits and vegetable prices have gone up as supplies from Saudi Arabia stopped following the Haj season. 

The demand-supply mismatch jacked up the prices, according to shopkeepers. The prices may increase further in the next two days in view of Eid Al Adha holidays, traders said. 

“Price of oranges recorded the highest increase. It used to be available at BD5.5 per box but now the price has increased to BD8. Its prices always increase during the summer. So it was somewhat expected,” said Marawi Fruits and Vegetables owner Ashraf.

 “The prices of fruits and vegetables are generally higher during the summer. Additionally, when goods from Saudi Arabia do not arrive, the prices increase because of the gap in supply,” he said. 

“Prices of common vegetable such as cucumber and tomatoes have shot up as well. Tomatoes are selling for BD3, a month ago it cost only BD1.5.  Even beans are a lot more costly now. They come from Pakistan and they cost double compared to last month,” he added.

Another shopkeeper, Haneef said that the demand from customers is also expected to increase as Eid approaches. “Customers are likley to buy more in preparation for Eid, especially fruits,” he said. 

Supplies from Saudi Arabia is expected to resume after Eid Al Adha holidays. 

“Saudi fruit and vegetable supplies are expected to resume immediately after Eid Al Adha. Currently, Saudi Arabia is not sending its supplies outside because they have a huge internal demand  from  Haj pilgrims,”  said Arif, a shopkeeper  in  Muharraq.