Pune: Banana exports have surged, causing a significant reduction in local market supply, which has halved in recent weeks. The ongoing Shravan month, marked by fasting, has further intensified the demand for bananas, driving up prices sharply in both wholesale and retail markets.

In key supply regions such as Solapur, Phaltan, Akluj, Natepute, and Baramati, the daily arrival of bananas in the market has dropped to between 50 and 60 tons, compared to 80 to 100 tons just two weeks ago. The supply from Jalgaon has notably decreased.

Wholesale prices have doubled, with raw bananas now selling for ₹15 to ₹18 per kilogram. Ripe bananas, sold in 18-kilogram crates, are fetching between ₹400 and ₹500.

Despite the increased demand, traders expect the reduced supply to persist due to the strong export market. Exporters are buying high-quality bananas directly from the source, leaving lower-grade bananas for local markets, where they are still commanding higher prices due to the ongoing demand.

Retail banana prices have risen to between ₹50 and ₹80 per dozen, up from the usual ₹50 for good quality fruit. Traders believe that prices will not decrease until the market sees an increase in supply.

In the Pune district, where bananas are also produced, the local variety is seeing less demand compared to those from other districts. Traders report that bananas from Baramati and Junnar are arriving in the market, but they do not match the quality of those from Solapur and Jalgaon, resulting in lower demand.