The prices of fruits, including banana, watermelon, grapes and pineapple, have recorded more than a 60 per cent increase in the Enugu metropolis.

The correspondent, who conducted a market survey in some markets on Tuesday in Enugu, observed that prices of fruits have increased almost beyond the average Nigerian.

The survey showed that a bunch of bananas, sold for ₦1,500 between February and April, now goes for ₦3,500.

Similarly, the current price of a full bunch of bananas is sold for between N30,000 and ₦45,000, depending on the size, as against ₦12,000 and N20,000 sold in March and April.

A head of watermelon is sold for between N3,500 and ₦6,000, depending on the size, while a pack of grapes is sold for N6,000.

Also, a pineapple is sold between N2,500 and N5,000, depending on the size, just as a small basket of four mangoes goes for N1,000.

Ugonna Uche, a banana seller at the Aria New Market, said the only way to reduce the high cost of fruits would be by securing farmlands and reducing exportation of the produce to other countries.

Mr Uche said exportation of the commodity had affected its availability in the country, saying it was difficult for an average Nigerian to afford fruits in their homes.

Theresa Ozzie, a watermelon dealer at Ogbete Main Market, said the high cost would persist if the government failed to urgently address food insecurity.

Ms Ozzie said the traffic of buyers of fruits in his shop had reduced since the prices of every item had increased.

Chioma Chinedu, who makes smoothies and fruit juice, attributed the price rise to the high cost of fruits in many outlets.

A fruit trader at the Garriki Market, Awkunanaw, Musa Ahmed, attributed the rising cost to insurgency in the North, high transportation costs and multiple taxes.

Another trader, Clement Ango, blamed the cost on climate change, especially for seasonal fruits like bananas, mangoes and grapes.

Some buyers told journalists in separate interviews that many people could no longer afford fruits.

Vincent Chukwu, a civil servant, said he found it difficult to buy bananas these days due to the higher costs.

Mr Chukwu noted that the high cost of living in the country, occasioned by the removal of the petrol subsidy, had affected the prices of goods and services.

He urged the governments to address the issue urgently to avoid outbreaks of diseases due to a lack of balanced diets.

(NAN)