Fruit prices surge in local markets due to high transport costs

Fruit prices have climbed significantly across local markets, particularly during the festive periods of Dashain and Tihar. Consumers have voiced concerns regarding the high cost of items such as apples and pomegranates. Traders explain that they are compelled to price goods higher to avoid sustaining financial losses on their inventory. Transportation expenses have risen sharply due to alternative routes and logistical challenges. Vehicle freight rates from specific border points have escalated compared to previous charges, adding substantial costs per kilogram to transported goods. Furthermore, maritime shipping container expenses have tripled, making sea freight significantly more costly. Traders note that road transport expenses have quadrupled while sea-freight imports have tripled in price. Route disruptions, weather risks such as snowfall, and border clearance delays mean shipments frequently fail to arrive on schedule. This unpredictability forces business operators to absorb substantial financial risks. Festive season importers experienced widespread financial losses after shipments spoiled on the road due to clearance delays, rain, and snow. A single container now requires an investment exceeding NPR 50 lakh [5 million]. Industry participants warn that such hazardous conditions and large capital requirements threaten to push smaller traders out of business entirely. Imports from India, including pomegranates and guavas, have also experienced price increases alongside goods arriving from China. Official data indicates that significant quantities of grapes were imported during Ashoj, involving substantial expenditures for consignments arriving from overseas suppliers and neighbouring markets.