Prices of imported fruits in Bangladesh have fallen modestly over the past month but remain out of reach for many consumers, while seasonal domestic fruits have become the preferred option for buyers seeking affordability.
A market survey in Old Dhaka showed price drops across several imported categories. Pomegranates fell from Tk550–600 (US$4.70–5.15) to Tk450 (US$3.85) per piece. Fuji and Golden apples now sell for Tk320–350 (US$2.75–3.00) instead of Tk400 (US$3.45), Gala apples for Tk350 (US$3.00) instead of Tk420 (US$3.60), and pears for Tk300 (US$2.60) instead of Tk350 (US$3.00). Oranges saw the largest decline, dropping from Tk400–500 (US$3.45–4.30) to Tk250 (US$2.15).
Other imported fruits remain unchanged: China grapes sell at Tk500 (US$4.30) per kg, Monaka and red grapes at Tk350 (US$3.00), white grapes at Tk400 (US$3.45), natural dragon fruit at Tk200 (US$1.70), hybrid dragon fruit at Tk150 (US$1.30), year-round mango at Tk250 (US$2.15), and South African oranges at Tk350 (US$3.00).
"Prices of imported fruits have come down slightly, but they're still out of reach for most people," said veteran fruit vendor Bilal Hossain. "Unless prices fall to Tk200–250, they won't be widely affordable."
Local fruits are widely available across Dhaka markets, with street vendors offering prices Tk10–20 (US$0.09–0.17) lower than formal outlets. Seasonal supply and recent rainfall have pushed prices further down. Papaya now sells for Tk40–60 (US$0.35–0.50) per kg, guava for Tk50–60 (US$0.45–0.50), and jamun for Tk40–80 (US$0.35–0.70). Amra, tal, pineapple, kamranga, imported guava, and chalta have remained stable, while bananas rose slightly to Tk40–50 (US$0.35–0.45) per piece.
"Seasonal fruits are usually cheaper now. Rainfall has lowered demand, which pushed prices down," said street vendor Shahin Alam. Banana seller Mosharraf attributed the higher price of Sagar bananas to the end of the season.
Consumers are turning to local options. "Papaya used to cost over Tk100. Now it's half that. Guava is also much cheaper," said student Raihan Qaderi. Private employee Maruf Ahmed added, "Imported fruits are costly. Seasonal fruits are much more affordable if you know when and where to buy."
With imported fruit prices still high, domestic produce continues to dominate urban markets.
Source: DhakaTribune
