Guwahati’s summer markets are bright but expensive, with households scaling back amid costlier fruits and seasonal pressure
As Guwahati heats up, fruit prices across the city have risen, turning summer markets into a mix of colour, cravings, and cautious wallets. Mangoes, litchis, watermelons, and muskmelons are in full display at local markets, with traders and consumers noting noticeable price increases.
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What was once an easy, everyday indulgence for many households is now increasingly being weighed against rising prices, leaving consumers to think twice before filling their baskets with seasonal favourites. This year, a growing number of consumers say that enjoying seasonal fruits has become more expensive, raising concerns over affordability for middle- and lower-income families.
While traders and wholesalers maintain that prices are largely dictated by supply and seasonal availability, shoppers across the city have noticed a rise in the cost of several popular fruits compared to previous years.
Many consumers visiting local markets expressed concern over increasing prices. One shopper noted that bananas, which were once considered an affordable everyday fruit, have become considerably more expensive.
According to the customer, a dozen bananas that previously cost around ₹70–80 are now being sold for nearly ₹140. The consumer added that while the prices of most goods have increased over time, fruits appear to have witnessed a particularly sharp rise.
Among the fruits drawing attention this season is litchi, a summer favourite that has become costlier. At one market, a fruit vendor selling litchis sourced from Tezpur said that a bundle was being sold for around ₹1,200. Several consumers reported being surprised by the price, with one customer stating that a dozen litchis were being sold for approximately ₹300.
Mangoes, often regarded as the king of fruits and a summer staple, have also become more expensive. Customers pointed out that Kesar mangoes, which were available for around ₹180–200 per kilogram last year, are now selling for nearly ₹300 per kilogram. Similarly, Langra mangoes, which once cost around ₹100 per kilogram, are currently being sold in the range of ₹180–200 per kilogram.
Litchis appear to be among the most expensive fruits this year, with some premium varieties reportedly reaching prices of up to ₹1,200 per kilogram. The increase has made the fruit less accessible to many consumers who would normally purchase it during the season.
The issue is also being noticed by visitors. A tourist from West Bengal visiting Guwahati remarked that fruits and vegetables in the city appeared more expensive compared to prices in Kolkata.
Fruit sellers and wholesalers, however, offer a different perspective. Several traders said prices are not unusually high when viewed in the context of seasonal demand and supply cycles. One fruit seller explained that prices are likely to increase further in the coming weeks as the supply of fruits from outside Assam begins to decline.
He noted that when the inflow of produce is strong, prices remain stable, but as availability decreases, prices rise due to reduced supply and increasing demand.
Another shopkeeper highlighted that mosambi is currently among the fruits witnessing a price surge According to him, mosambi is being sold at around ₹140–150 per kilogram, compared to earlier expectations of ₹80–100 per kilogram. Imported and premium fruits are also commanding higher prices, with blueberries selling at significantly higher rates.
Despite these examples, some traders maintain there has not been a major overall increase in fruit prices. One vendor argued that fluctuations are mainly due to seasonal availability and supply patterns. Fruits in season and readily available continue to be sold at comparatively affordable rates, while out-of-season fruits become more expensive.
According to the trader, apples and mosambi are currently not in their peak season, which explains their higher prices. Seasonal fluctuations, he said, are a normal feature of the fruit market.
Mangoes, despite concerns from consumers, are viewed differently by some vendors. A fruit seller stated that mango prices are relatively normal this season and that imported fruits are contributing most to higher market prices.
The seller cited several examples of imported fruits currently being sold at premium rates: beauty pears at around ₹300 per kilogram, mini oranges at approximately ₹250 per kilogram, and malta oranges at nearly ₹200 per kilogram. In some markets, malta oranges are being sold at slightly lower rates of around ₹170 per kilogram.
Avocados, which have gained popularity among health-conscious consumers, appear to be an exception. According to one vendor, avocado prices have fallen from nearly ₹1,000 per kilogram earlier to around ₹600 per kilogram now.
Apples, meanwhile, have moved in the opposite direction. Vendors explained that apples which were previously sold for ₹100–150 per kilogram are now priced at approximately ₹250 per kilogram.
Sanjeet Pandit, a wholesaler, said fruit prices are closely linked to availability in the market. He explained that when supplies are abundant, prices remain lower, but scarcity leads to higher rates. Pandit also pointed to rising transportation costs as a major factor influencing price movements.
He added that increased truck fares have directly impacted the cost of fruits reaching local markets. However, he said fruit prices are comparatively lower this year than last year, though affordability remains a challenge for economically weaker sections.
Pandit further noted that higher prices have affected buying behaviour, with many customers purchasing smaller quantities or avoiding certain fruits, leading to a decline in sales for traders and retailers.
Speaking to GPlus, Tutumoni Dev Goswami, officer of the District Consumer Commission, Guwahati, also highlighted the role of transportation expenses in shaping market prices. Goswami said rising fuel costs have increased logistics charges, which are passed on to consumers through higher retail prices.
The summer fruit market in Guwahati shows mixed trends. Consumers continue to feel the impact of higher prices on fruits such as bananas, litchis, apples, and mosambi, while traders attribute fluctuations to seasonal supply, transportation costs, and market availability.
Increasing fuel prices and logistics expenses have added pressure on the supply chain, contributing to higher retail rates. While traders cite seasonal patterns, many consumers continue to feel the strain on their wallets, with some fruits becoming significantly more expensive and others seeing only modest changes. The debate over whether prices are genuinely rising or simply following seasonal trends remains unresolved.
As summer progresses and supply fluctuates, the question remains: will fruit baskets become lighter for consumers, or will market conditions eventually bring some relief to buyers?