Jeddah, August 03: The price of vegetables and fruit rose by 30 to 50 percent at the Vegetable and Fruit Market in Jeddah, Monday. Potatoes and tomatoes showed the biggest price hike.
A Hail-produced potato sack rose to SR22 to SR23 from its pre-Ramadan price of SR11 to SR12. The price of tomatoes increased 20 percent.
The prices of popular vegetables followed suit. Parsley, dill and coriander rose from SR3 to between SR6 and SR7.
The pre-Ramadan price of fruit has remained the same with a slight increase of five to 10 percent, especially oranges, apples and carrots. Some suppliers predicted a gradual decrease.
Many citizens went to the Vegetable and Fruit Market after Asr prayer. Many more go on Thursdays and Fridays causing traffic congestion which the traffic police tackle by blocking the main street and turning it into a one-way street.
Beggars are everywhere at the market following shoppers and begging for money. Some have amputated hands or legs.
Okaz/Saudi Gazette met some shoppers at the market who confirmed there was a spike in the prices of tomatoes, potatoes, onions and some fruit.
The high temperature had a negative impact on some fruit, they added.
Shoppers demanded that the market be moved to air-conditioned halls. Prices will stabilize as the fasting month progresses, they predicted.
Traders attribute the high prices to increased cost of labor and the increased prices in the countries exporting the goods.
Ministry of Commerece and Trade inspectors have been regularly inspecting markets to monitor the prices of essenetail foodstuffs during Ramadan.
The ministry has also warned traders against indulging in price manipulations.
Courtesy: Saudi Gazette