DOHA: Many consumers are surprised by a record hike in the prices of ginger in the local market over the past one week.
Ginger, a root vegetable used as a delicacy, medicine and spice, is popular among various nationalities, especially Asians.
The prices have more than doubled since last week, say traders, who have attributed the hike to a shortage in supply.
Chinese ginger which used to be available for less than QR10 a kg was sold at QR23 yesterday, said a source from a leading supermarket. Another smaller variety imported from India is available at QR12 a kg, but most customers prefer the Chinese variety.
“Ginger is mainly imported from China and there is a shortage of Chinese variety in the central market. We are getting only a few boxes every day. We don’t know the reason for the shortage,” said the source.
He said ginger is used by most nationalities, including Qataris. “Demand from Qataris would go up during winter, because they use it as an ingredient in some sauces, due to its medicinal value.”
The Peninsula
