Imported fruits prices are going upwards as Ramadan nears

Global tension from the Ukraine war and energy crisis is putting additional pressure on Indonesia's imported fresh fruits market. Late deliveries of containers somehow worsened in February 2022 resulting in postponed and canceled contracts. While stocks for key fruits such as apple, citrus, grapes are still secure, replenishment and on-season purchases are hampered by swelling demands from the upcoming Ramadan month in early April, importers reporting prices jump by 3% as experienced suppliers use the timing of Ramadan to their advantage.

Major importers without capabilities to channel directly to the traditional markets could not easily pass the increase to their traders channel at the moment as the market is still reeling from other crises of cooking oil, soybean, and basic commodities prices. Nonetheless, 2022 Idul Fitri holidays in early May is projected to see the market in general spending more to celebrate the biggest holiday without strict COVID restrictions as the pandemic effects gradually softening.