Despite ample supply, Bangladeshi fruits are becoming more expensive

Despite a plentiful supply, domestic and imported fruits have increased in price YoY in Bangladesh at the start of Ramadan this year. Fruit importers have blamed higher shipping costs, while local traders have blamed high transportation costs.
Based on quality, imported apples sold for USD 1.85/kg to USD 2.77/kg, pear for USD 2.54/kg to USD 2.77/kg, pomegranate for USD 2.54/kg to USD 2.77/kg, Malta for USD 1.85 to USD 2.43/kg, orange for USD 1.62/kg to USD 2.08/kg, and grape for USD 2.31/kg to USD 2.66/kg. Date prices have risen from USD 0.23 to USD 0.29/kg, with this imported fruit selling for between USD 4.04 and USD 14.44/kg depending on quality. In the ancient Dhaka retail market, Ajwa dates were sold for USD 4.04/kg, Dhapas dates for USD 3.23/kg, Kalmi dates for USD 3.47/kg, Farida dates for USD 3.23/kg, and plum dates for USD 2.77/kg. Tunisian, Algerian, and Libyan dates and Mariam were selling for USD 7.51/kg to USD 14.44/kg at the capital Dhaka's retail market.