Bengaluru: Buying fruits is steadily becoming more expensive for residents, with most varieties in city markets witnessing a price rise of at least 20% over the past six weeks. Traders attribute the spike to seasonal fluctuations and inconsistent arrivals.The city sources much of its fruit supply from Maharashtra, Haveri, Devanahalli and other parts of Karnataka. As arrivals tighten, prices have climbed across the board. Bananas, which were priced at Rs 40, are now selling for around Rs 70 per kg. Pomegranates, which earlier retailed at Rs 100–120 per kg, have surged to Rs 160–200 per kg.
Grapes, too, have seen a sharp jump. The price of green varieties went up from Rs 100 per kg to Rs 160. Apples, priced Rs 120 earlier, are now selling for around Rs 180 per kg. Guavas, once available for Rs 100–120 per kg, are currently priced at nearly Rs 140. Black grapes cost Rs 240–280 per kg. Among relatively affordable options, watermelon and muskmelon are selling at about Rs 50 per piece, while sapota ranges between Rs 100 and Rs 140 per kg. Traders at KR Market told TOI that the recent spike is partly due to stock accumulation by a handful of wholesalers ahead of the festive season, which has temporarily tightened supply. They also cited the seasonal cycle as a major factor driving the fluctuations.Harisha, a fruit trader at KR Market, said: “We source bananas and pomegranates from other districts of Karnataka, including Hassan. Most pomegranates come from Maharashtra. Prices there are already high, so we are compelled to increase our rates here as well. Additionally, some traders are stocking up fruits to release them during Ramzan, when demand will surge. That is also contributing to the higher prices.”Another trader, who has been selling apples and grapes for the past year, said prices of the two fruits have risen by 20% to 30% in recent days as they are currently out of season. “I’ve been sourcing fruits from Hosur for a long time. We are trying to sell at reasonable rates, but in other parts of the city, grapes are priced at Rs 200 per kg or more,” he said.For consumers, however, the explanations offer little comfort. Anupama P, a homemaker from South End Circle, said the increase is evident everywhere — including on online platforms. “I came to KR Market thinking prices would be lower than in other parts of the city. But even here, apples are selling at Rs 200 per kg, which is very high. Still, since fruits are healthy, I don’t want my children to miss out on them in their daily diet,” she said.Prices to remain high till month-endExperts suggest that the prices will continue to be high till the end of the month.R Selvarajan, director, ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana, said: “Farmers are increasingly looking at the Mumbai market, as it is more attractive now. Bananas are widely consumed, including by diabetics. Compared to many other states, Karnataka currently has lower supply, while demand went up as more people are seeking bananas. Supplies are likely to improve in April and May with the arrival of the new harvest.“G Karunakaran, principal scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR, Indian Institute of Horticulture, said: “Climate plays a major role, and changing weather and soil conditions are impacting the crop. Production and productivity fell by at least 30%, and when output drops, prices naturally rise — that is what we are witnessing. That’s what is happening in bananas, pomegranates and a few other fruits. The most important factor is rising consumer awareness which is steadily boosting demand. Storage is also a key factor, as storage costs went up a bit, and it shows an impact on fruits as well.”
