Night markets ease fruit price surge

Temporary night markets sell fruits up to 30% cheaper, drawing crowds

KARACHI:

Temporary "night fruit markets" have sprung up at various city locations and major roads, providing fruits at lower prices than daytime rates. People are increasingly preferring to shop at night, with prices reportedly up to 30% cheaper than during the day, and in some markets, fruits are even available at official government rates.

During daytime, fruit sales at official rates are mostly visible when the district administration is monitoring the markets. However, once administrative checks conclude, vendors often resume selling at inflated prices. A spokesperson for the Karachi commissioner said all possible measures are being taken to ensure compliance with official fruit prices in the metropolis.

Social activist Muhammad Naeem Khan expressed disappointment over the high fruit prices, saying that "Ramazan is a month of blessings. In many countries, special discounts are offered on fruits during this period. Unfortunately, in Karachi, vendors charge higher prices compared to normal days."

Economic activist Kashif Khan said that fruit sales in Karachi follow two distinct patterns during the holy month. Daytime prices are often 50% above the official rates, while night markets, set up at Saddar, Punjab Colony, Teen Hatti, Dak Khana Liaquatabad, Nazimabad, Landhi, Korangi, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, and other major locations, offer fruits at lower rates. He added that the trend of shopping at night is growing among people, especially after Tarawih prayers.

However, prices in night markets are not uniform. Vendors often set their own rates depending on fruit types and availability.

According to the Karachi commissioner, official fruit prices are as follows: Bananas, Rs221/dozen (Grade 1), Rs 207/dozen (Grade 2); Apples, Rs207-328/kg; Guava, Rs150/kg; Chikoo, Rs150/kg; Mosami, Rs115-138/dozen; Kinow, Rs 299-373/dozen; Strawberry, Rs310/box; Guava Pear (Gularchi), Rs 226/kg; and Watermelon, Rs 120-126/kg.

Night market vendors, however, are selling fruits at the following rates: Bananas, Rs150/dozen, Pomegranate, Rs400/kg; Melon, Rs150-250/kg; Strawberry, Rs 250/box; Orange, Rs200-300/dozen; Jujube (Ber), Rs100/kg; Chikoo and Guava, Rs 150/kg. Vendors report earning 50% more at night due to reduced daytime traffic and other challenges.

Nasima Bibi, a resident of Lines Area, said she and her husband prefer shopping at night in Saddar as fruits are cheaper. "We usually buy fruits for two to three days at a time," she said.

Khurram Ali, a rider from Surjani, added that night markets make it possible for low and middle-income families to have fruits on their Iftar tables. Meanwhile, Hajira Begum from Ranchhore Lines criticised the high daytime prices and called on the government to control inflation throughout the year, not just during Ramazan.