Guwahati, Sept 28: With Durga Puja just around the corner, fruit prices in Guwahati have skyrocketed, leaving shoppers worried about their festival budgets. From apples to bananas, the cost of even everyday fruits has climbed sharply in the last two weeks across the city’s major markets.
What Residents Are Facing
- Apples, bananas, and guavas, usually considered staples, have all seen noticeable price hikes.
- Customers say the surge is pinching pockets, especially as families begin their festive shopping for puja rituals and celebrations.
- Vendors in markets like Fancy Bazar, Beltola, and Ganeshguri admit that wholesale rates have gone up due to increased demand and limited supply.
Voices from the Market
Shoppers at Fancy Bazar shared their frustration, saying prices are rising faster than expected. “We need fruits for offerings and for home, but buying even a kilo of apples feels expensive now,” said one resident. Vendors explained that transport costs and seasonal demand have also pushed up rates.
Why Prices Matter During Puja
Fruits are a key part of Durga Puja rituals and feasts, used in offerings and shared during community celebrations. The price rise, therefore, affects both households and puja committees preparing for the festivities.
What’s Next?
Market experts suggest that prices may remain high throughout the puja week, easing only after the festive demand subsides. For now, many Guwahatians are forced to cut down on quantity or switch to cheaper fruits to keep costs manageable.
