Dhaka, Oct. 16 -- Prices of imported sweet oranges, known locally as malta, have fallen to Tk 350-400 per kg in Dhaka, down from nearly Tk 600 in the first week of October.

Importers blame the earlier spike on fewer ships arriving at Chittagong Port in September, but say supplies are improving as delayed shipments reach the country.

Serazul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Fresh Fruits Importers Association, told bdnews24.com: "Ships were late reaching the port last month. Fewer came at the start of this month too. And the gaps between the ones that did arrive were much bigger."

Around 30 containers of oranges are normally unloaded at Chittagong Port each day, but that number fell by half in September, he said.

"Ships used to come v...