PANAJI
In recent weeks, fruit prices have soared to unprecedented levels, impacting shoppers and households across the region.
Traditionally, fruit prices rise during festive seasons and the monsoon, but this year’s price hike, coinciding with the Ganesh Chaturthi, is unusually steep. The prices have been climbing daily, with some fruits seeing increases of up to 50% in just the past seven days.
The dramatic rise in fruit prices is being felt acutely by consumers. Abdul Shaikh, a vendor from Caranzalem, attributed the price increase to typical factors such as the monsoon and the festival season. He noted, “It’s common for fruit prices to go up during monsoon and festival times. This year, however, prices have been rising weekly, with a 40-50% increase in just the last four days. This is partly due to transportation issues and other factors. But I expect prices to drop soon.”
Consumers are expressing frustration as their grocery bills soar. Angela D’Costa, a local shopper, shared her experience: “Prices for fruits and vegetables have gone up significantly. Just a few days ago, I could buy a week’s worth of fruit for 500. Now, that same amount costs three times as much. It’s becoming extremely difficult to manage expenses with such high inflation.”
The impact of this inflation is widespread, affecting not only individual budgets but also altering shopping habits. Many people are now finding it challenging to afford even basic fruits, leading to a strain on their weekly grocery budgets.
As the festive season progresses, shoppers and vendors alike are hopeful that prices will stabilize in the near future. For now, the sharp rise in fruit prices continues to be a major concern for many people across the State.
