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Aubergine Prices Triple in Mauritius in Just Two Months
Local vegetable prices have surged sharply between July and September, with aubergine jumping from Rs 30 to Rs 110 per kilo.
By MauritiusNews Editorial2 days ago👁 0 views
Mauritians shopping for vegetables have been hit hard this season, with prices on a range of locally grown produce rising steeply between July and September — in some cases more than tripling within weeks.
The most dramatic rise has been in aubergine (brinjal), which climbed from Rs 30 per kilo in July to Rs 110 per kilo by September — an increase of Rs 80, or more than 260%, in the space of two months.
Courgette has followed a similar pattern, rising from Rs 19 to Rs 48 per kilo. Brède Tom Pouce, a popular leafy green used in Mauritian cooking, jumped from Rs 30 to Rs 75 per kilo over the same period.
**Other vegetables recording sharp increases include:**
- Lemongrass (citronnelle): Rs 36 → Rs 80/kg
- Chayote (chouchou): Rs 13 → Rs 28/kg
- Turnip (rave): Rs 42 → Rs 90/kg
- Long brinjal (bringelle longue): Rs 30 → Rs 60/kg
- Okra (lalo tendre): Rs 320 → Rs 616/kg
Herbs and condiments have also seen significant price swings. Coriander (cotomili), a staple in Mauritian kitchens, rose from Rs 95 to Rs 180 per kilo. Ridge gourd (pipengaille) went from Rs 60 to Rs 110, while shallots (échalote) climbed from Rs 195 upward.
**What this means for consumers**
These price movements reflect the typical seasonal volatility in Mauritius's local agricultural market. Supply of certain vegetables tends to fluctuate significantly depending on weather conditions, cyclone seasons, and crop cycles. When local supply drops — due to dry spells, pest damage, or planting gaps — prices can rise sharply because there is limited competition from imports for fresh produce.
For households on tight budgets, these swings can be significant. Vegetables like aubergine and brède are everyday staples in Mauritian cuisine, meaning the cost of a basic home-cooked meal rises directly alongside these prices.
Not all products are moving upward, however. The price data reviewed also shows some items falling in cost over the same period, suggesting that seasonal supply for certain crops has improved.
Consumers are advised to check prices at local markets (fairs) run by the Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB), which regulates and monitors the sale of locally grown produce across Mauritius, and which often offers slightly lower prices than private retailers.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are vegetable prices rising so sharply in Mauritius?−
Vegetable prices in Mauritius are highly seasonal. Local supply of fresh produce can drop significantly due to weather events, dry periods, or gaps in planting cycles. When supply falls short, prices rise quickly because Mauritius relies heavily on local production for fresh vegetables, and imports of fresh produce are limited. The July–September period can be particularly volatile as it bridges the dry and pre-cyclone seasons.
Where can Mauritians find the cheapest vegetables?−
The Agricultural Marketing Board (AMB) operates fair markets across Mauritius where locally grown vegetables are typically sold at regulated or competitive prices. These markets are generally cheaper than supermarkets or private vendors. AMB fairs operate in various locations island-wide, including Port Louis, Flacq, and Mahébourg.
Which vegetables have seen the biggest price increases in Mauritius recently?−
Between July and September, aubergine saw the largest percentage rise — from Rs 30 to Rs 110 per kilo. Okra (lalo tendre) more than doubled from Rs 320 to Rs 616/kg, and turnip (rave) nearly doubled from Rs 42 to Rs 90/kg. Coriander, courgette, lemongrass, and shallots also rose substantially over the same period.
