In week 23, the selling prices for bananas in St. Petersburg were as follows: from Monday to Wednesday, prices ranged from USD 21.75 to USD 23.00 per box, CIF. After Wednesday, prices increased from USD 23.00 to USD 24.25 per box, CIF. These prices varied based on brand, volume, and packaging.

During this week, approximately 1.415 million boxes were discharged, and the same amount is expected for week 24. The exchange rate for the period was 1 USD = 79.17 Rub.

Prices for Ecuadorian bananas in the Mediterranean ranged from USD 19.00 to USD 20.00 per box, CIF. For  fruit of other origins , prices varied between USD 17.00 and USD 18.00 per box CIF , depending on the brand, volume, and packaging.

In the Mersin Free Zone, the prices for Ecuadorian fruit re-exported to neighbouring countries were between USD 19.00 and USD 22.00 per box, while Central American fruit was priced around USD 16.00 to USD 18.00 per box.

The exchange rate was 1USD = 39.28 TL.

Prices in Iran were 125.000-145.000 IRT per kg for Ecuadorian bananas, while Indian bananas were priced at around 105.000-115.000 IRT per kg. The cost for a 13.50 kg box of Indian bananas ranged from USD 8.50 to 9.00, CIF Bandar Abbas. Local traders have indicated that the intense rains generated by the monsoon in India are expected to impact both the quality and volume of Indian bananas in the coming weeks. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 83.000 - 85.000 IRT.

Prices in the Ecuadorian spot market ranged from USD 12.00 to USD 13.00 per box, for the fruit alone up to USD 13.50 and USD 14.00, depending on quality, volume, the day of the week  and the area from which the fruit was sourced. 

Prices are expected to remain high due to Chiquita's challenges in sourcing bananas in Panama. Additionally, no higher volumes are anticipated from other origins in Central or South America around weeks 32 to 33, unless there is a significant drop in demand from the international market. There is also considerable uncertainty regarding potential damage from hurricanes or tropical storms in the Caribbean as the season begins in June.

There were no designated fixtures for bananas or other fruits; however, a few vessels were allocated for the fish trade. Some vessels, particularly in the mid to small-size sector, were reported as idle, awaiting orders. 

The time charter rate for large vessels ranged from 65 to 70 US cents per cubic foot per month. This rate varied based on the nature of the voyage—whether it was geographical or a return trip—and the duration that vessels remained idle while awaiting orders. 

For smaller vessels, the time charter rate was between 55 and 60 US cents per cubic foot. Additionally, there were reports of some ships being idle or laid up.

Bunker Prices:

                                    VLSFO          MGO

Rotterdam                 $476.00         $614.50        

Gibraltar                    $531.50         $688.00                    

Panama Canal         $523.00         $658.00