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Fruit prices in Dhaka have fallen significantly after Ramadan and the Eid holidays, with several imported varieties dropping by more than Tk 100 per kilogram within just a few days, offering some relief to consumers.
A visit to major wholesale and retail markets—including Badamtoli, Karwan Bazar, Rampura, Badda and Shantinagar—on Friday found that prices of most imported fruits have eased notably from their Ramadan peaks.
Malta, which was sold at Tk 350–380 per kg during Ramadan, is now priced at Tk 280–300. Before Ramadan, it ranged between Tk 260 and Tk 280 per kg.
Apple prices have also declined, currently selling at Tk 300–340 per kg depending on the variety, down from Tk 350–400 during the fasting month.
However, prices remain slightly above the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 280–320.
Oranges are now being sold at Tk 380–400 per kg, compared to Tk 420–450 during Ramadan, while earlier prices hovered between Tk 340 and Tk 350.
Among other imported fruits, pomegranate prices have dropped to Tk 450–500 per kg from Tk 580–600 during Ramadan, though still higher than the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 400–480.
Pear has seen one of the sharpest declines, falling by around Tk 150 per kg to Tk 350, down from Tk 500 during Ramadan.
In the grape market, black grapes are selling at Tk 500 per kg, red grapes at Tk 450, and green grapes at Tk 400, while most varieties had exceeded Tk 500 during Ramadan.
Locally grown fruits have also become more affordable.
Ripe papaya is now priced at Tk 70–120 per kg, down from Tk 140–180, while guava prices have fallen to Tk 70–100 from Tk 120–150.
Watermelon, which entered the market during Ramadan, is now being sold at around Tk 50 per kg, down from Tk 100 at the start of the season.
Traders attributed the fluctuations largely to wholesale market dynamics, particularly at Badamtoli, the country’s key fruit hub.
Some alleged that a syndicate-like mechanism influences prices at the wholesale level which in turn affects retail markets.
A fruit seller in Badda said retail prices often rise by around Tk 50 per kg after sourcing from wholesalers.
Another trader noted that prices at Badamtoli are frequently determined through pre-arranged auctions, limiting competition.
Consumers said that despite the recent decline, prices have yet to fully return to pre-Ramadan levels.
They urged stronger market monitoring and greater competition to help stabilise fruit prices in the capital.
https://thedailyexpress.news/news/business/1f129d12-a972-6c10-a899-897b3b782609