Devotees planning to break their ‘roza’ (fast) with fruits are giving it a second thought. The reason: prices of fruits have almost doubled since the start of the holy month of Ramzan.
While traders attribute the price rise to short supply, people see red over the ‘excuse’.
A dozen bananas that cost Rs. 30 to Rs. 40 till a week ago now cost between Rs. 60 and Rs. 70. Similarly, the ubiquitous mango is priced at Rs. 50 to Rs. 70 a kg while apple that was earlier around Rs. 30 a piece is now being sold for Rs. 50 to Rs. 70.
“There is shortage of fruits at the Gaddianaram fruit market. Wholesalers have hiked the prices, forcing us to increase prices too,” Miraj, a fruit vendor at Charminar, said. However, wholesalers say that the prices have not increased to such a point that the retailers double it. “There is a marginal increase in the price of banana, apple, sweet lime, chiku and mango. However, unseasonal fruits like watermelon, pineapple and orange are in short supply,” says a wholesale trader at Gaddianaram fruit market.
Many middle class families have cut down the indent of fruit. “Instead, we are opting for juice that is readily available in the market at a fixed price. Apart from that, we are going in for homemade recipes,” Abdul Muqeed, a businessman said.
Meanwhile, Haleem outlets across the city have been doing brisk business since the last couple of days. Haleem, which makes its presence felt during Ramzan, is priced between Rs. 100 and Rs. 140 a plate at restaurants and eateries.
However, businessmen feel that a profitable beginning is a routine trend at the start of Ramzan. “We can know the market trend only after five days,” a Haleem-maker said.
