DOHA: Vegetables became marginally cheaper in June from a year earlier, while fish prices dropped as much as eight percent in a month since May 2013, official figures show.
Fresh fruits, on the other hand, became four percent cheaper in a year until June 2013, statistics released by the Consumer Protection Department (CPD) reflect. India continued to be the largest exporter of fresh vegetables in the month, whereas local vegetables coming on the market dropped due to the summer season.
As for fruits, the Philippines that largely exports bananas and pineapple, emerged as the largest exporter in month, followed by Egypt, South Africa and India. Indian mutton was sold at slighter lower rates in the month, while Jordanian sheep were more in demand and their prices surged a bit, the CPD figures reflect. Jordanian sheep was sold for QR1,200, while the price of Qatari goats averaged QR775. The rates of sheep from other countries were stable in May and June (2013).
Vegetable imports grew in June totaling 19,767 tons whereas the monthly average in the year until then was 15, 824 tons. After India, major vegetable exporting countries included Jordan, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China and Egypt. Local produce figures on the bottom of the list.
Fish prices were down eight percent in June over May 2013, the CPD which is under the Ministry of Economy and Trade, said in its sales and exports report for June. The prices of some types of fish dropped as much as 11 percent in the month. The Peninsula
