KARACHI: The government’s move to prohibit the export of bananas and onions hasn’t reduced consumer prices in the slightest.
While fruit vendors wanted Rs150 for small-sized bananas and Rs250-300 per dozen for large-sized ones, retailers continued to sell onions for Rs280-300 per kg.
Two weeks ago, onions were selling for Rs. 150 per kg, while bananas of various sizes were priced at Rs. 80 for little and Rs. 120–150 for a dozen.
Following the prohibition on March 9, retailers asserted that wholesale prices for onions and bananas in Superhighway’s major fruit and vegetable market had not decreased.
However, the strong demand for these goods prior to Ramadan was another factor contributing to the lack of a price decrease. Retailers maintained the prices high by making the most of the circumstances.
In the following two to three days, wholesalers and exporters anticipate a price decrease for these two commodities as exporters attempt to settle their outstanding orders with foreign buyers.
