As Ramadan progresses, the demand for fruits in Bauchi State has surged, leading to a significant increase in prices across markets in the metropolis.

At Muda Lawal Market and various local shops revealed that the prices of fruits commonly used for breaking the fast (iftar) have risen by about 25 per cent.

The increase has been observed over the past two weeks.

For instance, a piece of apple, previously sold for N300, now costs between N500 and N700, while a ball of watermelon, which used to cost N1,000, is now priced between N1,500 and N2,000.

Similarly, a bunch of bananas now sells for N2,000 and above, depending on size, and grapes are priced at N4,000 per pack.

A fruit vendor at Bauchi Club GRA, Suleiman Jigawa, attributed the price hike to supply chain challenges.

He explained that the high demand, coupled with transportation difficulties and limited availability, had driven up costs.

A resident, Mustapha Yerima, believed traders were taking advantage of the situation.

He said, “Transportation costs have increased due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, but traders are also inflating prices unnecessarily. In spite of the price hikes, many residents remain grateful for the opportunity to observe Ramadan. We appreciate God that we can still manage to buy fruits for iftar because this is a month full of blessings.’’

(NAN)