Soaring mandarin orange prices for CNY leave buyers feeling sour

KUALA LUMPUR – The prices of mandarin oranges have left a sour taste for those celebrating the coming Chinese New Year as consumers are paying more per box this year.

A box of 28 M-sized Ponkam costs around RM30, which is quite a hike compared to last year’s RM15.

As for the L and XL Japanese Unshu mandarin oranges, their prices range from RM100 to RM125 for a box of 20 at Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) market here.

A fruit seller at the TTDI market, who wishes to remain anonymous, told The Vibes that the price hike this year may have been caused by Covid-19-related issues that have cropped up again, interrupting shipping and delivery services. 

Mandarin oranges have become very expensive this year because of labour shortages at the orchards due to a surge of Covid-19 cases in China,” said another fruit seller at a wet market near Kota Damansara.

The lokam, which is a larger and sweeter orange, is also said to be very costly this year due to crop and labour shortages in China.

A survey by The Vibes found that another cause of the price hike is the increase in demand during the festive season this year.

Despite the soaring prices, the fruits are selling well, especially at markets and supermarkets.

Despite the oranges being cheaper online, buying them fresh from the market or a supermarket is a better choice because the fruits are in good condition.

“Fruits that are ordered online are almost always bruised and not in good condition when delivered,” said Lim, a customer at the TTDI market.

“More often than not, I can check the quality of the oranges myself and decide if they are good. That is why I prefer to buy the oranges myself from markets,” said Fong, another customer at the market.

Mandarin oranges are one of the must-have items for Chinese New Year as the fruit represents prosperity and abundance. They are displayed as decorations and given to family and friends as gifts. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023