Indian consumers will have to pay more for apples and oranges this year. The ongoing threat of Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping has forced shipping lines to reroute their vessels via the South African coast. This not only increases freight costs but also affects the freshness of the fruit. With domestic produce already suffering from extreme weather, the cost of these fruits is set to rise.
Parth Karvat, director of Yupaa Fresh Pvt Ltd, a leading fruit importer and exporter, detailed the situation. “Shipping lines are now routing their vessels via the Cape Town route. Thus it is taking longer to reach Mumbai and the produce is staying longer in transit,” he said. This longer route has increased transport costs by $2,000-3,000 per vessel carrying 21 tonnes of apple, resulting in a higher landed cost.
“If you do the maths, the cost of apples is now Rs 200-220/kg, higher by Rs 18-20/kg as compared to last year,” Karvat explained. With domestic apple production hit by unseasonal rains in Himachal Pradesh, India is now relying on imports, with Turkey, the US, and Egypt being the major suppliers. Karvat predicts similar price trends for oranges from Egypt and Turkey as they start arriving in the country.
Commission agent Rohan Ursal from Pune’s wholesale market in Gultekdi, confirmed the increased rates. “Turkish apples are now priced at Rs 2,200-2,300 per 18 kg box. In the retail market quality apples are not available below Rs 200/kg,” he said. He also anticipates a rise in orange prices, with oranges from Egypt meeting the domestic need due to quality issues with local produce.
[ Rs 100 = €1.10 ]
Source: indianexpress.com