Fruit prices slashed in Pakistan due to boycott
Add Fresh Fruit Portal to GoogleA 'fruit-boycott' in Pakistan has reportedly forced sellers to significantly lower their prices, as consumers stayed away from fruit markets for three consecutive days.
Local media The Nation reported the social media-driven boycott was related to an exorbitant price increase at the start of Ramadan, when many Muslims endure a period of daily fasting.
Prices were reported to have increased by up to 300%, but on the second day of the campaign the they were reportedly up to 40% after street vendors saw minimal market activity.
The deserted markets in the major city of Karachi waited for consumers on the weekend, but they blamed the high prices on the wholesalers.
The Empress Market is usually crowded but on Saturday it was said to be largely empty.
The boycott was called by civil society and groups representing consumer interests, and reportedly divided opinion greatly.
According to the article, residents lament that every year there is an "alarming increase" in fruit prices, believing that the vendors indulge in profiteering, negating the holy month’s message of piety and tolerance.
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