CHENNAI: Prices of oranges and apples have risen sharply in city markets over the past few weeks due to supply disruptions linked to tensions in West Asia, particularly involving Iran, traders said.At the Koyambedu wholesale market, reduced arrivals have pushed up prices of Iranian and Egyptian oranges—widely used by juice shops—to Rs 1,400–Rs 1,700 for a 15 kg box, compared with Rs 900–Rs 1,000 during the same period last year.Traders attributed the rise to supply uncertainty, shipping disruptions in West Asia, and delays in fresh consignments.The disruption has also affected apple imports, with the cost of Iranian apples increasing from Rs 1,100–Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500–Rs 1,700 per 15 kg box.“The arrival of imported fruits such as oranges and apples from Egypt and Iran began in February. The overall quality of oranges is low, though they taste better at the start of the season but decline later. Demand remains strong as fruit juice shops depend on them. Similarly, apples from Iran come in three different qualities,” said S Srinivasan, president of the Koyambedu Fruit Traders Association.He said there is no immediate shortage, as traders are currently selling from stored stock, but warned that uncertainty over fresh arrivals is keeping prices high. “There is no clarity on when the next consignments will arrive, and that is pushing up prices,” he said.The impact is now visible at the retail level. Imported oranges are selling at Rs 150–Rs 400 per kg, compared with Rs 150–Rs 230 earlier, while apples have risen from around Rs 140 to Rs 150–Rs 200 per kg.Despite the increase, juice vendors said prices will remain unchanged for now. “We have already increased tea and coffee prices due to LPG costs. Though fruit prices have gone up, we are not increasing juice prices and are instead absorbing the cost increase for now as summer demand is high. But if prices remain like this, it will be difficult to sustain,” said K Santosh Ram, who runs a fruit and tea shop on Taramani Link Road.Domestic varieties are also under pressure. Oranges from Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Assam have nearly doubled from Rs 60–Rs 70 per kg to Rs 130–Rs 170 per kg due to rising demand. South African oranges continue to be positioned as premium.Among apples, New Zealand varieties remain the most preferred for their crunch and longer shelf life, while Himachal Pradesh apples, particularly from Kullu, are sold between Rs 900 and Rs 1,200 per box depending on grade.The orange season in India runs from April to June, with imports from Iran arriving before and after the domestic cycle. Last year, 500–600 containers reached city ports, each carrying about 1,650–1,700 boxes. Current stocks are expected to last about a month.“Customers are cutting down on quantity and buying only what is necessary. Earlier, people would buy in kilos; now many are opting for smaller quantities because of the price rise,” said K Balaji, a retail fruit seller in Virugambakkam.Wholesale traders also reported a 20%–30% drop in business due to cash flow constraints amid the model code of conduct and supply volatility. With peak sales set to begin in mid-April, demand is expected to pick up, though prices are likely to remain firm.Meanwhile, seasonal fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon are abundant at the wholesale market, priced at Rs 15–Rs 25 per kg, offering limited relief to consumers.
