Rising fuel prices and increasing transportation costs have significantly affected Nagpur’s fruit market, with mango sales witnessing a sharp decline this season. Traders at the Cotton Market fruit market say soaring prices have reduced customer footfall, while the sweetness of mangoes has been overshadowed by inflation.
According to fruit vendors, the price of mangoes has increased substantially compared to last year due to higher diesel and petrol costs, transportation expenses, and rising logistics charges. Traders claim that customers who earlier purchased mangoes by the crate are now buying only a few kilograms, while many are avoiding premium varieties altogether.Market traders said the impact is not limited to mangoes alone. Prices of several other fruits have also increased.
Apples are reportedly being sold at around Rs 300 per kilogram, papaya at Rs 200 per kilogram, chikoo at Rs 150 per kilogram, dragon fruit between Rs 300 and Rs 500 per piece, and watermelon between Rs 20 and Rs 25 per kilogram.The report states that mango varieties such as Kesar, Badami, and Hapus have recorded a considerable price rise compared to previous years.
Traders said that while fuel prices are a major factor, additional expenses such as cold storage, packaging, labour, and market transportation have also contributed to the increase.Fruit sellers expressed concern that despite higher rates, profits are not rising proportionately because customer demand has weakened considerably. “Earlier, customers used to buy entire boxes of mangoes, but now they purchase in very small quantities,” a trader said.
Vendors believe the ongoing inflation has changed consumer behaviour, with buyers prioritizing essential goods over seasonal fruits. Traders are now hoping for improved demand in the coming weeks as summer reaches its peak.
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