Vegetable and fruit prices fall sharply at Central Market

Prices of some vegetables have dropped significantly at the Doha Central Market as the result of availability of local produce, Gulf Times reported.

A number of fruits are also reasonably priced at the market.

A recent visit to the market in Abu Hamour revealed that a box of tomatoes, weighing around 8kg, was being sold for QR4, while different types of chilli (red and green) were available for QR5-7 for a 3-4kg box.

Zucchini cost QR7-10 for a 5kg box and cucumber prices ranged from QR9-15 for a box of around 8kg, depending on the freshness and quality of the product.

It was also found that cauliflower was available for QR4-5 for an 8kg box, mushrooms for QR12-16 for a 3kg box, eggplant for QR8-10 for a 5-6kg box, beans for QR15-20 for a 4kg box and potatoes for QR20 for an 11kg bag.

While the price list is updated at the market every day, the negotiation skills of customers play a big role. Also, when trading ends every day, most sellers are willing to sell their products at lower-than-usual prices as they do not have proper storage facilities, it is understood.

"Most people come to the market seeking fresh, same-day products. So when goods have to be displayed for another day, their prices fall considerably," noted a seller at the market.

The prices of fruits, most of which were imported varieties, were also found to be generally reasonable. For instance, pineapple from the Philippines was being sold at QR30-40 for a box of nine pieces, while Indian seedless white grapes cost QR25 for a box of around 4kg. Lebanese oranges were available at QR15 for a box of 6kg and the price of a watermelon was QR10.

Meanwhile, at the adjacent fish market, some varieties were available at reasonable prices. These included sheri, available for QR6-10 per kg depending on the size, and sardines, which cost QR4 per kg. Shrimp prices started at QR25 a kg.

Gulf Times had recently reported that seasonal restrictions on fishing led to a drop in the catch and this, in turn, resulted in a hike in the prices of some fish varieties. During the latest visit to the market, king fish was being sold for QR25-55 per kg and hamour QR25-45.

The turnout of customers at both the vegetable and fish markets was low. Traders attributed this to the rising temperature and it being a weekday when this correspondent visited the market.

While the vegetable market is an open facility with a overhead roof, the fish market is an air-conditioned setup.

Traders at both markets said they were willing to sell their products at reduced rates by the end of the day, especially to customers who bought in large quantities.

Courtesy: gulf-times.com