Apples now cost MVR 10, a 100 percent hike

Apples at the market now cost MVR 10, increasing burden on buyers at local markets.

An apple supplier has stated that the hike is due to delays in restocking. China and Egypt are Maldives' biggest apple suppliers.

"There's a really big delay. It is about to be a month," said the supplier.

An 18 kg box of apples from the local market now cost MVR 1,200. It used to cost MVR 550, an increase of 118 percent.

While apples at the local market are being sold wholesale for around MVR 9 - MVR 10, some shops are selling them for between MVR 11 - MVR 13. Apples used to cost MVR 5 - MVR 6.

Once stocks have been replenished, apple suppliers are surmising that apple prices will drop.