# Bhopal fruit prices jump 10% as festival demand spikes 2026-10-18T01:09:31+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Fruit prices in Bhopal markets have risen by up to 10% during the festive season, with water chestnuts (singhara) selling at Rs 200 per kg and a 12-piece box of custard apples (sitaphal) at Rs 400. Wholesalers attribute the surge to increased buying for prayers, fasting, feasting and hospitality. The arrival of custard apples and water chestnuts has started about 15 days earlier than usual, but prices remain high. Wholesaler Pintu Khatik said the mandi is receiving 10 tonnes of custard apples daily from Chhindwara and Sarangpur, yet large, quality fruit is still priced at Rs 400 per box. Water chestnut prices have risen Rs 50 per kg from Rs 150. Pomegranates from Maharashtra's Nashik and Malegaon are retailing at no less than Rs 220 per kg. Fruit expert Yogesh Dwivedi said retail prices factor in transport, loading-unloading, sorting, spoilage, shop costs and seller margins. ## Indian Opinion Analysis The 10% price rise hits household budgets already stretched by festive spending on puja, vrat meals and entertaining guests. The early arrival of custard apples and water chestnuts has not softened prices, which means supply from Chhindwara and Sarangpur is not yet matching demand. For shoppers, the next few weeks will determine whether prices ease as arrivals peak later in the season. ## Coverage - bhaskar.com Straight price reporting with no government or advocacy framing This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Tags: Bhopal, custard apple, water chestnut Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/bhopal-fruit-prices-jump-10-as-festival-demand-spikes/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/bhopal-fruit-prices-jump-10-as-festival-demand-spikes/#story-in-brief How this brief was made: an AI model read the report linked above and wrote this summary and analysis, which were published automatically. Published briefs are sampled every hour by an automated quality check; the editor verifies its findings and approves corrections, and corrected briefs carry a dated correction line. We do no original reporting. Methodology: https://indianopinion.org/ai-use-policy/