Durian prices are predicted to rise by 100% this year.
During this year’s durian season, durian fans, especially those who prefer premium types like Musang King and Black Thorn, should expect a 100% price hike.
The price increase is owing to a 50% decline in durian production due to weather conditions, according to Deputy Agriculture and Food Industry Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah.
He believes that the wet season, which runs from late March to early April, has harmed durian pollination, resulting in less fruits, and that this factor would result in a 50 percent decline in total production in some areas.
Increased fertiliser and labour costs have also had an impact on the King of Fruits’ production.
So far, Penang and Perak have admitted a 50% decline in production, and a durian planters group has produced a report predicting that prices for Black Thorn and Musang King durians, as well as kampung durians, will surge.
The Black Thorn species is projected to cost more than RM100 per kilogramme (kg), while Musang King would cost between RM60 and RM80 per kilogramme (kg), depending on quality, compared to RM30 to RM40 earlier.
Ahmad further added that the ministry did not set a price cap for durians because the price was uncontrollable and dependent on production and supply.
He added that the ministry has also received input on the expected price hike in Penang and Perak from the Federal Agricultural Marketing Agency (FAMA).
