Watermelon prices rise from MVR 20 to MVR 25 per kilo in a day

The price of watermelons available from the traveler’s market in Male’ rose from MVR 20 per kilo the previous day to MVR 25 on Tuesday, as Ramadan approaches.

Ramadan – a month marked by high food consumption - is expected to begin on Wednesday. And like previous years, the approaching holy month has driven up prices of produce in the market.

This includes watermelons, a fruit that is steeped deep in Maldivian cuisine during Ramadan.

While the country’s biggest producer of watermelons – AA. Thoddoo – and other farming islands have begun supplying the Male’ market with the fruit, the price of watermelons continues to rise.

 The fruit was available for MVR 20 per kilo on Monday, but is now available for MVR 25.

Looking at other produce popular during Ramadan, chilis from Dh. Kandoodhoo are now available for MVR 480 per kilo – rising up from MVR 150 just a few days ago.

A fresh coconut is available for MVR 50, while a kilo of lime is available for MVR 60.

Vendors expect the price of certain produce will go up again this Ramadan.

However, the State Trading Organization (STO) has provided assurance it will ensure a steady supply of essential commodities in order to stabilize prices.