ONAGRI reports significant price hikes for fruits, vegetables in Tunisia

TUNISIA – The National Observatory of Agriculture (ONAGRI) has reported a notable rise in prices for various fruits, vegetables, and fish at the Bir El Kassaa wholesale market in June 2024.

The figures reveal significant cost increases compared to the previous year, affecting the affordability of essential goods across the board.

The price of watermelons rose by 94%, reaching 994 millimes per kilogram. Flat peaches saw an 81% increase, with prices hitting 3,295 millimes (USD 1.06) per kilogram. Peaches also experienced a notable rise, climbing 63% to 2,742 millimes per kilogram.

Other summer fruits such as plums and grapes went up by 33%, costing 3,507 millimes (USD 1.12) per kilogram and 6,000 millimes (USD 1.92) per kilogram, respectively. Melons increased by 31%, reaching 2,098 (USD 0.67) millimes per kilogram, while figs saw a 25% rise to 5,000 millimes (USD 1.60) per kilogram.

Conversely, some fruits saw price reductions. Apricots decreased by 9%, strawberries fell by 18%, and citrus fruits dropped significantly by 64%. The decline in citrus prices is particularly notable, reflecting a substantial shift in market trends.

Vegetable prices also climbed sharply. Onions led the increase with a dramatic 189% rise, now priced at 1,446 millimes (USD 0.45) per kilogram. Peppers followed with a 60% increase, reaching 2,743 millimes (USD 0.87) per kilogram.

Other vegetables such as zucchini, parsley, and hot peppers saw price hikes of 44%, 32%, and 28%, respectively. Cucumbers increased by 16%, potatoes by 11%, and tomatoes by 4%.

Despite these increases, the quantity of potatoes available dropped by 9%, from 2,305 tonnes in June 2023 to 2,106 tonnes in June 2024. This reduction could be contributing to the higher prices observed in the market.

Fish prices also varied widely. Whiting prices surged by 50% to 15,787 millimes (USD 5.03) per kilogram, while mackerel prices increased by 48%, reaching 20,315 millimes (USD 6.51) per kilogram.

Lippu mullet rose by 40% to 10,168 millimes (USD 3.27) per kilogram, and red mullet saw a 24% increase, costing 28,351 millimes (USD 9.07) per kilogram. Sardines went up by 20%, while cuttlefish prices saw a 7% increase.

On the other hand, horse mackerel and Pataclet experienced price drops of 7% and 17%, respectively. The supply of most fish varieties decreased in June 2024 compared to the previous year, contributing to the observed price fluctuations.