BENGALURU: The ongoing conflict between Iran and the US has led to a cloud of war hovering over the global economy, and the fruit trade in Bengaluru is feeling the pinch.
The supply of fruits from Iran, including apples, kiwis, cherries and blueberries, has been halted for over a month. As a result, fruit traders in Bengaluru are now importing fruits from alternative sources like Egypt and Washington. However, due to the longer shipping routes via Japan, the delivery time has been delayed by at least 20 days.
The cost of shipping has also increased, with the price of shipping a single fruit box rising from $2 to $4. This has led to a surge in the prices of imported fruits in Bengaluru. The prices are: Foreign apples — from Rs 100 to Rs 220; Pomegranates — Rs 300+; Oranges — Rs 200; Blueberries — Rs 250/box. Traders are still waiting for refunds on the advances they paid to Iranian suppliers, which has added to their woes.If the conflict escalates, the prices of imported fruits are likely to rise even further.
Mohammed Sibgatulla, a fruit trader, told Public TV, “We imported fruits like apples, kiwi fruit and other citrus fruits. Now, supplies have stopped for the last one-and-half months and prices have also increased due to the conflict. Chile applies will arrive only after 45 days and shipping costs have also doubled. After it lands in India, it takes about 65-70 days to reach us after tests in Mysuru. After 2-3 months, more fruit varities will be available, but if freight rates rise, prices will increase. Traders who have paid advances have are in bad shape after having paid crores in advances”.
