In a startling turn of events, fruits price has transitioned from everyday staples to luxury commodities, with prices skyrocketing over the past two years.
This has left many middle-class consumers struggling to afford these once-common items. Businessmen are pointing to a dollar crisis as the primary cause, while consumers are accusing syndicates of orchestrating the steep price hikes.
A stroll through the capital's bustling bazaar paints a grim picture, with the stalls laden with spring fruits that are now largely out of reach for most of society. The price surge is nothing short of alarming.
In 2021, red apple cost a modest Tk 150 per kilogram (kg); today, it commands more than double that, at over Tk 300. Similarly, green apples, once affordable at Tk 200 per kg, are now a luxury at Tk 400 per kg. Malta, priced at Tk 150 per
kg in 2021, has seen its cost more than double to Tk 380 per kg, while per kg orange, previously cost was Tk 120 but now stands at an astonishing Tk 350 per kg. Even grapes, which used to go for Tk 220 in 2021, are now demanding Tk 450 per kg.
It's not just foreign fruits; local varieties have also joined the price surge. Pineapples, once a budget-friendly option at 80 taka, are now priced at a premium, as are grapefruits at 60 taka and a kilogram of papaya at 100 taka.
During a visit to Mugda Hospital, this correspondent engaged in discussions with the relatives of patients. The hospital is currently providing specialized treatment for dengue fever, which has led to an increase in the prices of fruits that are considered beneficial for these patients.
Nayeem, who was present to visit his relative, expressed his concerns, stating, "The government has held numerous meetings and conducted several raids, yet the price of coconuts remains exorbitantly high. Similarly, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find Malta, and when available, its price is considerably elevated."
However, to know the real scenario of imported fruit prices, while this correspondent tried to reach fruit importers nono of them answered phone call. Meanwhile, spices have not been spared from this relentless price hike. In the span of just one year, the cost of essential spices has nearly doubled.
Onions, which sold for a reasonable To 50 per kg last year, have surged to an astonishing Tk 90 per kg. Garlic, once an affordable kitchen staple at Tk 130, now commands Tk 240 per kg. Sugar, another essential, has jumped from Tk 85 to Tk 135 per kg, while ginger, previously priced at Tk 140, now hits consumers hard at Tk 250 per kg.
Consumers are voicing their frustration and anger over this sudden and overwhelming price increase. They cite the rising costs of not only fruits and spices but also fish, meat, and vegetables, all of which have seen their prices increase several times over compared to previous years. The middle class is grappling with the consequences of these price hikes, with many feeling the pinch of their diminishing purchasing power.
However, Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, general secretary of Consumers Association of Bangladesh (CAB) earlier said that syndicated nowadays manipulating each products in the country. It's the high time, unscrupulous traders should be brought into light and punish strictly.