Ramadan: Fruit prices soar in Kano

Prices of fruits have skyrocketed in Kano due to increased patronage occasioned by the ongoing Ramadan fast, our correspoondent reports.

A check by our correspondent at the Yankaba and Yanlemu markets in the metropolis showed that prices had shot up within the last four days.

It was reported that an apple now sells for N450 as against its old price of N300.

Similarly, medium size watermelon now goes for N1,500 as against N700, while big one now goes for N3,000 as against the previous price of N1,7000.

It was also reported that one dozen of oranges now cost N1, 000 as against N700, while a bunch of banana sells for N2, 000 as against N1, 200 before the fast started.

Our correspondent further reported that a medium size pineapple now costs N800 while that of pawpaw is sold at N1, 000 as against its old prices of N500 and N700, respectively.

Further checks by NAN revealed that 50 kg bag of locally milled rice is now selling at N62,000, while that of sugar is selling at a little over N82,000.

Similarly, a 100 kg bag of millet now sells for N61, 000, while a crate of egg is selling above N3, 200.

Our correspondent checks also revealed that the prices of tomatoes, pepper, onions and Irish potatoes have soared too.

Traders at the market attributed the hike in prices to increase in the demand amid low supply of the produce.

A trader, Mallam Habu Ali, said that fruit and vegetable were more sought after during Ramadan fast, adding that this explained the sudden surge in prices.

He said the prices also increased due to high cost of transportation and poor business conditions.

A buyer, Muhammad Bala, said that with the present cost of things in the country, many households would miss the opportunity to enjoy daily post-fasting decent meals.