With the advent of Ramadan, demand for fruits—an essential component of iftar—has surged, but soaring prices have placed them beyond the reach of many.
Apples, oranges, grapes, and, most notably, dates, a staple for breaking fast, have seen a sharp increase in cost, exacerbating the financial strain on low- and middle-income households.
Fruit traders attribute the steep rise to multiple factors, chief among them the depreciation of the taka against the dollar and the government's decision in January to increase import tariffs.
Despite protests from importers and threats to halt fruit clearance at ports, the additional duties were ultimately paid, further inflating retail prices.
A visit to various markets in the capital on Saturday (1 March) revealed that apple prices have surged to Tk320 per kg, while green apples now sell at Tk420.
Oranges are priced between Tk280 and 320 per kg, while black grapes stand at Tk420 and green grapes at Tk330—each having increased by Tk20 to 25 per kg within a matter of days.
Similarly, the price of dates has climbed significantly. Just a week ago, regular-quality dates were available for Tk120 to 130 per kg, but they now cost between Tk150 and 180, with some retailers charging as much as Tk250.
Premium varieties such as Ajwa, Medjool, and Mabroom have become prohibitively expensive, ranging from Tk1,000 to 1,400 per kg.
Even local fruits have not been spared the price surge. Watermelon, which has already arrived in markets despite the season not yet peaking, is now priced at Tk80 to 100 per kg, with smaller varieties selling at Tk50-60.
Pineapples range from Tk50 to 70 each, while papayas, previously available at Tk120 per kg, have jumped to Tk150.
Guavas now cost Tk100 per kg, while a dozen ripe bananas, depending on variety and size, range from Tk90-120.
Lemons, a crucial ingredient for traditional iftar beverages, have seen a staggering price increase, with a single piece selling for Tk25, and a set of four costing between Tk80-100.
Even tender coconuts, a Ramadan favourite, have seen prices surge by Tk20 to 30, now retailing between Tk100 and 160 each, depending on size.
Consumers have expressed frustration at the unchecked price hikes.
Abdul Halim, a shopper in a city market, remarked, “In the Middle East, Ramadan brings discounts on essentials, but here, it’s the opposite—opportunistic traders take advantage of the season to raise prices.”
He cited an example, stating, “Bananas were Tk60 per dozen last week, but today the same sugar bananas are being sold for Tk80 to 100. Lemons now cost Tk50 more per set, and apple and date prices have jumped by Tk30 to 40.”
Fruit vendors, however, argue that the blame lies upstream. Abdul Halim, a seller in Agargaon, lamented, “Even I’m shocked at the wholesale prices in Badamtoli—how can they be this high?”
Another trader, Arif, pointed out that although the duty on dates has been reduced from 63.6% to 38.7%, consumers have yet to benefit from any relief.
As Ramadan progresses, both consumers and traders remain uncertain whether prices will stabilise or continue their upward trajectory, making basic iftar staples increasingly inaccessible to many.
