Fruit prices in Dhaka have started to decline following Ramadan and the Eid holidays, with imported fruits witnessing a drop of more than Tk 100 per kilogram within a span of a few days.

A visit to wholesale and retail markets including Badamtoli, Karwan Bazar, Rampura, Badda and Shantinagar on Friday showed that prices of nearly all imported fruits have eased compared to Ramadan levels.

Malta, which sold at Tk 350–380 per kg during Ramadan, is now being traded at Tk 280–300. Before Ramadan, its price ranged between Tk 260 and Tk 280 per kg.

Apples are currently selling at Tk 300–340 per kg depending on variety, down from Tk 350–400 during Ramadan. Prior to the fasting month, prices were between Tk 280 and Tk 320.

Similarly, oranges are now priced at Tk 380–400 per kg, compared to Tk 420–450 during Ramadan, while pre-Ramadan rates stood at Tk 340–350.

Prices of other imported fruits have also declined. Pomegranates are selling at Tk 450–500 per kg, down from Tk 580–600 during Ramadan, though still higher than the pre-Ramadan range of Tk 400–480.

Pear prices have seen a notable drop of around Tk 150 per kg, now selling at Tk 350 compared to 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, whereas most varieties exceeded Tk 500 during Ramadan.

Locally grown fruits have also become cheaper. Ripe papaya is now selling 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 being sold by weight instead of per piece. Prices have dropped from Tk 100 per kg at the start of the season to Tk 50 per kg now.

Traders attributed the price fluctuations largely to the wholesale market dynamics at Badamtoli. They alleged that a syndicate in the wholesale market influences pricing, which ultimately impacts retail rates.

A fruit seller in Badda said retail prices often increase by around Tk 50 per kg after sourcing from the wholesale market. Another trader noted that prices at Badamtoli are largely fixed through pre-determined auctions, limiting competition.

Consumers, however, said that despite the recent decline, fruit prices have yet to return to pre-Ramadan levels. They called for stronger market monitoring and increased competition to stabilise prices in the capital.