Inquiries at the Doha Central Market found that watermelons now cost QR4.50 to QR5. The prices were between QR1 to QR1.50 per kg during the same period, last year.
Some of the traders said along with the stringent screening procedures in the movement of fruits and vegetables arriving by road coupled with an apparent shortfall in production in such places as Jordan have hit the supply of watermelons in the local market.
The situation has come at a time when the holy month of Ramadan has begun and there is exceptionally high demand for the fruit owing to its high water content.
"Last year, watermelons weighing up to 10kg were available locally for prices between QR1.2/kg and QR1.5/kg," recalled a retailer. A resident said besides at the Central market, watermelons used to be sold from vehicles parked in deserted stretches along the main roads between Wukair and Industrial Area and also on some of the stretches of Salwa Road after the Doha Industrial Area Exchange. However, this time no road-side vendors are seen.
Owing to high price, watermelons are not stored at most of the smaller supermarkets, inquiries found. "Yesterday, with no other option", I was forced to buy a 10kg watermelon for QR50," said Abdul Salam, a resident.