Dhaka, Oct. 2 -- Traders say fruit prices in the capital have climbed due to a supply shortage. In retail markets, fruit costs are now Tk 30 to 80 higher per kilogram than before.

The shortage stems from disruptions during the Durga Puja festival, when Indian-destined trucks at land ports were not operating. This bottleneck hit wholesale markets first and the effects have trickled down to retailers. Yet traders remain hopeful that prices will ease next week.

A tour of capital retail markets shows South African Gala apples at Tk 450 per kilogram, up from Tk 400 the previous week. China Gala apples are priced at Tk 350, while regular white apples have risen to Tk 250 per kilogram. Australian apples are available at Tk 350 per kilogram, up...