Consumers in the region have reported a dramatic rise in prices of key fruits and vegetables, with some items increasing by over 80%.

The spikes have affected both local and imported produce, although the increases for local varieties tend to be less pronounced.

Shoppers have expressed concern that these price hikes have significantly impacted their grocery bills, particularly during the summer season when there is an uptick in fruit and vegetable consumption due to high temperatures and humidity.

Industry officials attribute the soaring prices to increased temperatures and higher shipping costs.

The onset of summer negatively influences agricultural yields and subsequently raises costs both globally and domestically.

Some price stability for certain items has been maintained due to prior contracts and existing stock levels.

A survey across various major retail outlets revealed price increases in several fruits and vegetables, notably lemons, bananas, oranges, mandarins, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini, and broccoli.

For example, consumer Mohammed Mahmoud has noted significant price spikes in imported lemon and banana varieties.

The price of a type of small yellow lemon surged to 12.65 dirhams per kilogram, up from seven dirhams previously, reflecting an increase of 80%.

Another variety, the larger yellow lemon, experienced a rise from 5.5 dirhams to 8.95 dirhams per kilogram, a hike of 62.7%.

Mandarins have similarly risen in price, reaching 9.95 dirhams per kilogram, compared to a previous cost of 6.50 dirhams.

This represents a 53% increase.

Another shopper, Osama Lotfi, corroborated the rising prices, particularly highlighting the significant increases in banana prices, which are currently at 8.75 dirhams per kilogram, compared to 6.25 dirhams earlier.

Another type of banana has risen to 10 dirhams per kilogram from 7.5 dirhams, marking a 33.3% increase.

Additionally, consumers have reported increased prices for imported tomatoes, which have risen from 6.5 dirhams to nearly 8.95 dirhams per kilogram (approximately 38% increase), and for broccoli, which is now priced at 23.95 dirhams per kilogram, up from less than 15 dirhams, indicating a rise of nearly 60%.

Samia Mahmoud, another consumer, described a sudden rise in prices for various fruits and vegetables, increasing her family's grocery bills, particularly during summer when her children consume more fresh produce.

The price for a medium-sized green lemon has surged from 7.2 dirhams to 11.20 dirhams per kilogram, a 55.5% increase, while oranges have risen from 6.5 dirhams to 11 dirhams, a 69% spike.

Zucchini prices have also surged from 9.95 dirhams to 13 dirhams per kilogram, reflecting an increase of 30.6%, while local produce, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, has seen lesser price rises, capped at around 30%.

Retail chain representatives have acknowledged the sharp increases in the costs of imported vegetables and fruits, attributing them to extreme heat and logistics costs.

They emphasize that agricultural products require more intensive care during cultivation and shipping in hotter months, leading to increased supply prices.

Furthermore, they have highlighted efforts to diversify import sources as a measure to mitigate rising costs, although these price pressures have been felt across multiple importing nations.

Some stores have sought to import lower-cost but relatively inferior quality products from various regions to provide consumers with more choices.

Retail expert Ibrahim Al-Bahr noted that summer typically sees marked increases in produce prices due to significantly higher agricultural costs driven by extreme heat, necessitating expensive technologies such as greenhouses.

Increased fertilizer use and greater water consumption amid reduced crop yields further elevate supply costs, inevitably impacting consumer prices in the market.