Vegetable prices in the region have decreased remarkably and if wholesalers are to be believed, the prices may go down further in the coming weeks. The wholesale vegetable market in Dammam is now receiving large stocks of local produce as well. The price of potatoes has fallen dramatically with an increase in supply, mainly from local cultivation. Some shopping outlets are offering potatoes for just SR1 per kg, while prices are even lower at the Dammam wholesale vegetable market. The price of tomatoes has also been reduced, as more local varieties enter the market. Earlier one carton of tomatoes was selling for SR20 whereas it is now selling for as little as SR7. “The price of fruits and vegetables normally falls during the winter due to an increase in supply, along with low demand, wholesalers said. Although vegetable prices have started falling, fruits remain expensive due to high prices in the countries of origin, said Abdul Kader a wholesale trader in the Dammam vegetable market. In winter, a number of vegetables are produced locally especially in the Qatif, Saihat, Anak and Al-Ahsa areas of the Eastern Province. Moreover, vegetable production goes up in winter in exporting countries as well, contributing to a 30 to 50 percent decrease in vegetable prices in the Kingdom. According to retailers and wholesalers, cucumbers, tomatoes, potatoes, spinach, carrots, and several other vegetables are grown on a large scale in the Eastern Province and in other parts of the Kingdom. Some people still prefer the freshness of locally produced vegetables and buy them even if they are more expensive than imported produce.
