Vegetable prices in Muscat soar

Muscat: A decline in vegetable production in Oman, combined with high temperatures in Levant, has sent prices soaring in local markets.

According to traders in the city’s wholesale vegetable market in Al Mawaleh, the price of tomatoes, cucumber, coriander and zucchini has increased by almost three to four times their original price since just last week.

“Al Mawaleh market has witnessed an increase in the prices of some vegetables due to the lack of Omani products,” comments a trader at the Al Mawaleh Central Market.

“The rise in temperature in Levant counties during the summer leads to the decrease in agriculture production,” said Naushad, who has managed a vegetable counter at a local supermarket for over a decade.

Most traders are however expecting the prices to drop in October as the weather cools down and the traditional peak of the production season begins.