Kathmandu, March 30 -- The price of bananas, one of the most widely consumed fruits in Nepal, has surged sharply in the Kathmandu Valley, reaching between Rs250 and Rs300 per dozen in retail markets, while wholesale prices hover around Rs210.

Until a few months ago, a dozen bananas cost between Rs80 and Rs100.

Traders attribute the increase partly to the off-season, but say prices spiralled after Nepal imposed restrictions on banana imports from India over concerns about the spread of a fungal disease.

According to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board, banana prices have risen by 55.56 percent since the import curbs were issued.

Binay Shrestha, information officer at the board, said the Kuleshwar Fruit Market ser...