Weather drives Bali durian prices up but demand holds steady

Durian lovers are going to have to pony up more cash this year if they want to buy their beloved ‘king of fruits’ in Bali.

Local market prices have reportedly soared in Bali for the aromatic fruit because the weather this season has made for particularly challenging conditions for harvesting durian.

One fruit vendor in Renon, Gede Wirawan, said depending on the type, her durians range from Rp 25k to Rp 150k. That’s in comparison to last year’s durians, which would be just Rp 10k  to Rp 95k per fruit, Wirawan told Nusa Bali.

“It’s been raining continuously for the past several months, making durian flowers fall.

“This is what makes the durian harvest so limited,” Wirawan said on Tuesday.

Although prices are up, Wirawan says sales are still going strong, a testament that those who like durian, really like durian.

“Our sales have not decreased significantly. Public interest remains high in the fruit, which is a favorite among most of these communities.”

Another vendor selling durian said pretty much the same thing, that prices are way up this year for the fruit, but demand remains steady.

Demand from the public is same as last year. Even if it’s expensive, people still buy it. The prices don’t affect that,” Kadek, another durian seller, said.