Egyptian fruit markets have witnessed such an increase in prices that customers only ask about prices without buying anything, fruit sellers told Youm7. They said some people buy rotten fruits to satisfy themselves. Mohamed Ragab, a fruit dealer, blamed a lack in supply for the soaring prices. He said the price of a six-kilo watermelon has reached 10-12 EGP (U.S. $1.70-2), while the wholesale price of peaches is 3.5 EGP (U.S. $0.60) and they are sold to customers at 4-6 EGP (U.S. $0.65-1). A kilo of strawberry is 3.5 EGP. The price of oranges is 3-4 EGP, apples are 6.5 EGP, and imported red apples are 15EGP per kilo. Ragab blamed Egypt's diesel crisis for the 10 percent increase in transporting fruit to shops. He said fruit markets are facing a recession because of school exams, increasing prices and difficult living conditions. Ragab expects fruits prices to drop within 30 days as the supply of grapes, oranges and apricots increase. Ragab added that consumption is notably reduced and said "many customers blame the dealers, thinking they control the prices, which isn't true.” Mohamed Mekki, another dealer, asked if the fruits are exported abroad, said he can't find any reason why prices are so high. Samy Michel, fruit dealer, said that peach prices are low if compared to the last year. This year they are 4 EGP per kilo, while they were 7 EGP in 2010. He said watermelons are sold for as much as 30 EGP in upscale areas. Bananas are 6 EGP per kilo, and pineapples are 4 EGP per kilo and 6 EGP in upperclass areas. Apricots and plums are 12 EGP per kilo. Michel expects a decline in apricot prices as supply increases in the upcoming days. Mohamed Ali, a dealer in Maadi neighborhood, confirmed that the fruit supply has decreased about 50 percent compared to the last year. He described the state of sales as "good," adding that soaring prices are affecting profits.
