With the arrival of Ramzan, the prices of fruits in Hyderabad have sharply increased. Every year, during this holy month, fruit prices rise due to high demand and a gap in supply. Fruits like watermelon, grapes, oranges, and pomegranates are in great demand as people consume them to regain energy after fasting for nearly 14 hours.
Fruits play an essential role in Ramzan, whether at homes, iftar gatherings, or mosques. Many families rely on them to break their fast. However, this year, the increasing prices are making it harder for people, especially lower-middle-class families, to buy fruits in the same quantity as before. On average, such families spend around ₹200 per day on fruits during Ramzan.
In the past few days, the prices of fruits have skyrocketed in city markets. For example, pomegranates, which earlier cost ₹20 per piece, now cost ₹30. Grapes that were sold for ₹80 per kg are now priced at ₹100-₹120 per kg. Apples cost between ₹30 and ₹35 per piece, while oranges and sweet oranges have also become more expensive. Pineapples now range between ₹100 and ₹150 per piece, depending on their size.
Similarly, the price of bananas has increased to ₹80 per dozen. Other fruits like watermelon, chiku, and guava have also become costlier. Papaya, which earlier had a lower price, is now being sold for ₹80 per kg, nearly double the previous rate. Sweet lime is now priced between ₹30 and ₹35 per piece.
Many customers believe that fruit vendors are unfairly increasing prices during the Ramzan season. “The prices of almost all fruits have gone up. We are forced to bargain a lot with the vendors,” said Shareefuddin, a resident of Tolichowki. Retailers claim that price hikes are due to reduced supply and higher rates from wholesalers. Syed Ifteqar, a resident of Nampally, suggested that authorities should monitor fruit prices to prevent excessive pricing by sellers.
Due to the rising costs, many people are now visiting wholesale markets and buying fruits in bulk every 4-5 days, as they find them more affordable there.
