Fruit and vegetable prices have risen sharply in the wholesale markets of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, while imports have dropped by nearly half. Traders report that key items such as tomatoes and bananas have doubled in price. However, officials expect conditions to improve soon.
Rajab Haji Aziz, head of the Erbil Wholesale Market Council, said prices have increased daily. He noted that tomato prices have seen the steepest rise, reaching 2,000 Iraqi dinars per kilogram. He added that bananas, pomegranates, lemons, and potatoes have also become significantly more expensive.
Aziz explained that the price of bananas has climbed to 3,000 dinars per kilogram in Erbil markets. He also highlighted a sharp decline in supply. Previously, around 100 trucks carrying fruits and vegetables arrived daily. Now, fewer than 50 trucks enter the markets due to reduced demand and supply disruptions. Despite this, he expressed optimism that the situation will stabilize following recent developments.
In Sulaymaniyah, Sarwar Ali, head of the wholesale syndicate, confirmed similar trends. He said prices have risen steadily due to ongoing tensions in the region. Tomato prices have reached 2,000 dinars per kilogram, while imports from Iran have been suspended, worsening shortages.
Ali added that banana and lemon prices have surged dramatically. A box of medium-quality bananas has jumped from 13,000 to 27,000 dinars. He also pointed to a major slowdown in market activity. Previously, about 1,500 tons of produce arrived daily, but that figure has now fallen by half.
The crisis began on February 28, when the conflict escalated between the United States and Israel against Iran. This escalation disrupted trade routes and directly impacted markets in the Kurdistan Region.
Authorities announced a two-week ceasefire. This development may help restore fruit and vegetable imports and gradually stabilize prices in the coming weeks.
