Soaring produce prices shock consumers in Jordan

The Central Wholesale Market in Amman received 2,449 tons of vegetables, fruits, and leafy greens on Tuesday, distributed as 1,839 tons of vegetables, 412 tons of fruits, and 197 tons of leafy greens.

Some items saw a notable price increase, with okra reaching 3.5 dinars per kilogram, grape leaves priced between 6 and 8 dinars, and fresh-cut molokhia ranging from 9 to 10 dinars—record-high prices that surprised consumers.

According to the market’s daily bulletin, other prices ranged as follows: black eggplant (15-25 piasters), dry onions (15-20 piasters), potatoes (20-30 piasters), tomatoes (6-15 piasters), carrots (25-35 piasters), cucumbers (60-80 piasters), cauliflower (30-50 piasters), lemons (20-40 piasters), and local bananas (50-80 piasters).

Despite price stability for most produce, grape leaves, cauliflower, zucchini, and baby cucumbers remain costly, raising concerns about the reasons behind the surge and how long it will last.

Observers link the increase to rising demand during Ramadan, along with seasonal factors affecting production. However, Amman’s central market remains a key supplier to local markets, continuing to receive large daily shipments to meet consumer needs despite ongoing price fluctuations.