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DURIAN vendors in Jitra are raising fruit prices after a sharp rise in diesel costs drove up transportation expenses, forcing them to adjust retail rates to avoid financial losses.
Nur Alia Najwa Khairul Anuar, 22, said the durian season began in late March with supplies sourced from Johor and Thailand.
She said varieties on sale included IOI, Udang Merah and kampung durians, retailing from RM20 to RM25 per kilogram depending on grade.
“If last year we could sell at around RM15 per kilogram, now the price has increased slightly because costs have gone up.
“Now the cost to fill diesel for transport lorries has soared; previously a trip to Thailand cost about RM200 in diesel but now it’s RM500. Similarly, to Johor it used to be about RM2,000 for diesel but now it’s RM5,000,” she said in an interview by Harian Metro yesterday.
Najwa said elevated diesel prices could lead to a surplus of durians in Johor because some supplies are unable to be transported to northern states due to high operating costs.
She added that her stall was previously filled with customers as early as 9am but that footfall has recently declined, with shoppers tightening spending amid the ongoing global energy crisis.
“Perhaps because of the price people can’t afford to buy as much durian, but we’re also in a bind because the cost of buying durian stock has already increased,” she said.
Retail diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have risen to RM6.72 per litre from today until April 15, up 70 sen from the previous rate of RM6.02 per litre, as the world continues to face energy supply pressures. - April 9, 2026