Why Are Watermelon Prices As Low As ₹7/Kg In India? How Is It Connected To West Asia Conflict?

Despite the ongoing Ramadan, watermelon prices in India are seeing a sharp decline. The festive season usually drives a surge in exports, particularly to Middle Eastern markets. However, this year, prices in some areas have fallen to as low as ₹7/kg. Here’s everything you need to know about this situation.

What’s Driving The Decline In Watermelon Prices In India?

According to Moneycontrol, rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia have disrupted watermelon exports to key Middle Eastern markets. It’s not just watermelons, India’s fruit trade in general, which usually sees a surge in demand from Gulf nations during Ramadan, has also been affected.

India exports watermelons to countries like Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, with demand typically rising during this season. However, The Indian Express reported that fruit shipments to these markets have stalled. As a result, large quantities of fruits intended for export are being redirected to domestic markets, including fruits such as watermelon and muskmelon.

Now, the surplus of watermelons has led to a sharp drop in wholesale prices. According to Moneycontrol, at APMC Azadpur Mandi, one of Asia’s largest fruit and vegetable markets, a quintal of watermelon is now selling for around ₹2,301, significantly down from ₹3,275 in February, a 29% decline in just one month.

On a positive note, prices remain higher compared to the same period last year. In March 2025, the wholesale price of watermelon at the market was ₹1,482 per quintal, showing an overall year-on-year increase.

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Online Stores See No Price Change

The report also highlighted an interesting trend. While wholesale prices have fallen sharply, watermelon prices on quick commerce platforms have remained largely unchanged. In Delhi and Bengaluru, the fruit is still being sold at around ₹100 per kg and ₹80 per kg, respectively. However, local market prices have dropped due to the surplus, prompting many people to take to social media to discuss the decline.

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Did you see a decline in watermelon prices in your area? Let us know in the comments.

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/SUMALI IBNU CHAMID