Banana prices double in Bahrain over supply shortage in market

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An alleged shortage of supply of bananas in the market has doubled the prices of the fruit, it has emerged.

Shopkeepers told the GDN that the “seasonal” price increase was unusually high this year, leading to a slump in business.

A kilo of banana that cost between 400 fils and 500 fils is now being sold at 800 fils to BD1 in the Manama Central Market, supermarkets and cold stores.

Two major suppliers in Bahrain – Shahzad Zafar Vegetables and Fruits and Nader and Ebrahim Group of Companies – have reportedly said the price increase was because of a shortage of supply from the Philippines, the major exporter of the fruit to Bahrain.

“The price rise on all fruits is seasonal,” Papaya Fruit and Vegetable store owner Lathief Ayancheri told the GDN.

“But the prices of bananas in the last two days have almost doubled,” he said claiming that there was no shortage of supply.

The sale of bananas has gone down by at least half, said a cold store owner in Umm Al Hassam.

“On an average eight to 12 customers used to buy bananas daily, this has now gone down to less than six,” said the Indian who requested not to be named.

“The price rise is seasonal and usually goes up by 100 fils or 200 fils but this week the price has shot up to BD1 for a kilo.

“This is definitely very high for our customers who are mostly from the low-income group and for whom one or two bananas make up their lunch or dinner.”

The number of customers has reportedly gone down in the Manama Central Market as well.

“The two main suppliers say there is a shortage of supply,” said shopkeeper Abdul Lathif.

“A box of bananas costing BD6.500 to BD7 has gone up to BD8 to BD9.

“This will reflect on the prices per kilo in the local shops.”

The agents could not be reached for comments.