The prices of produce have started to decrease as the demand also decreased when compared to the beginning of Ramadan.
When Ramadan started on April 2, chili and lime were at the highest price. One kilogram of lime were sold for MVR 150, while 1kg of chili sold between MVR 350-450. These prices have seen a drastic decrease though.
The price of lime have decreased by three times, as 1kg were now on sale for MVR 50-65 in the local market on Tuesday. However, this is still a significant hike from lime prices previously, as 1kg used to be sold for MVR 35 usually.
Chili prices were different based on the vendor. Kandoodhoo chili, famous for its flavour, and chili from Laamu Atoll are being sold for MV% 250-300 per 1kg. Chili from Sri Lanka are on sale for MVR 150.
Watermelon prices have also started to decrease. While 1kg used to be sold for MVR 25 when Ramadan began, they are now sold for MVR 20.
According to those vendors in the local market and travelers' market, business has decreased significantly compared to the beginning of Ramadan. They also said that the prices of the produce are being reduced in order to sell them before they go bad.
"The number of people coming here have decreased. This is a problem we face in the last ten days of Ramadan every year. It is better to sell them at a lower price than to wait for it to go bad. That's why everyone lowers the price," a vendor in the traveler's market said.
The fisherman's market has also seen a decrease. While the price of sea fish used to be at MVR50-60 per kilogram, it is now at MVR 35.
Fish prices are lower because fishermen are able to fish well these days.
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