Fruit prices up 25 per cent as Ramzan begins

Mumbai: Ahead of Ramzan, a month of prayer and fasting from dawn to dusk for Muslims, the prices of fruits and dry fruits, which are generally consumed after the fast, have soared with watermelons, muskmelons, grapes, apples and bananas costing up to 25 per cent more now.

Mohd Aarif Shaikh, a fruit seller from south Mumbai’s Crawford market explained that soaring rates of fruits was due to the enormous demand of such fruits during Ramzan.

He said that they arrange for more supply but it also leads to extra transport costs. “People prefer buying these types of fruits during this time for Iftaar. Since it is a matter of demand and supply, the prices have shot up by 25 per cent.”

Another Fruit vendor, Farhan Khan said, “We are forced to raise prices because of the increase in our expenses due to transport costs and cost of storage of perishable fruits.”

A regular fruit buyer, Dr Ambarin Siddiqui, complained about the hike, saying that it takes place every Ramzan.

“In this holy month, people who are fasting try to break their fast and feed their families better. Although one can break roza with dates or water, but we opt for fruit because it is high in water content as well as light on the stomach, especially in summers after a hard day of abstinence.”

Meanwhile, garment and cloth stores are expecting brisk business, said Suresh Gupta , a trader.  “Initially, the market was responding slowly, but now we hope that this month the market would get better. We have special permission to keep our shops open till late midnight.”

During the month of Ramzan, Mohammed Ali Road in south Mumbai transforms into a huge sea of shops and stalls that offer wide range of eatables and clothes that suit every budget. These shops have acquired special permission to remain open till late night.  But locals have complained about the presence of these eateries and the noise  generated by them.

They have raised questions on the difficulty of ambulances plying in the area due to the crowds in case of an emergency.

Anisa Sahikh, a resident of Mohammed Ali Road said , “Mohammed Ali Road has been declared a dangerous zone. Even parking is not allowed this time due to various reasons. But despite this, hawkers and vendors erect their stalls and create a nuisance. In case of an emergency, it would be hard for an ambulance to make its way inside,” she said.