As durian supplies tighten, Singapore sellers warn that prices are climbing again, urging customers not to wait for further discounts.
Singapore, Singapore Jul 18, 2026 ALN: Singaporeâs brief run of bargain-priced durians is now fading. Just weeks after a bumper harvest sent prices tumbling, sellers say supplies have started to tighten, and prices are climbing again.
The steep discounts and free durian giveaways that delighted fans appear to be over, with sellers warning that waiting for even lower prices may backfire.
As Johorâs durian season winds down, fewer fruits are reaching Singapore, 8days reported (July 14).
The unusually low prices were driven by a bumper harvest in both Johor and Pahang, two key regions in Malaysia known for their durian production. The durian, often referred to as the "king of fruits," has a distinctive smell and taste that attracts a dedicated fan base, particularly in Southeast Asia. In Singapore, durians are a popular delicacy, often enjoyed during the harvest season when prices typically fluctuate.
Several days of hot weather caused large numbers of durians to ripen almost simultaneously. This flooded the market with fresh fruit, leaving sellers racing to clear stock before it spoiled. Durians stay fresh for only about two days after harvest, so retailers had little choice but to slash prices to avoid losses. The phenomenon of sudden price drops during peak harvests is not uncommon in the durian market, where supply and demand can shift rapidly.
Some stalls sold Mao Shan Wang (Musang King), one of the most sought-after varieties, for as little as S$6 per kilogram, while others even offered free durians during the peak of the glut. These prices were a boon for durian enthusiasts, many of whom flocked to stalls to take advantage of the deals. The excitement around these discounts also fueled social media buzz, with many sharing their experiences of indulging in the fruit at such low prices.
The surge in supply didnât last long. According to sellers, Johorâs harvest has already eased, leaving Pahang as the main source of supply. Fruits are still available, but not in the overwhelming numbers seen just weeks ago. As a result, prices have started to climb again.
At Durian 36, Mao Shan Wang has risen from around S$18-S$19 per kilogram during the bumper harvest to S$22 per kilogram. Meanwhile, 99 Old Trees Durian indicated that its premium Mao Shan Wang and Black Gold varieties have increased from around S$20-S$21 per kilogram to S$23-S$24 per kilogram. These increases reflect the typical market dynamics where prices are closely tied to supply levels.
Fruit seller Ah Seng Durian also signalled on Instagram earlier this month that supplies were shrinking while customer demand stayed healthy, although the company declined to comment further on the market situation. This sentiment is echoed across various sellers, who are observing a growing appetite among consumers for durians, despite the rising prices.
To shoppers, it may seem strange that news of an oversupply vanished within days. Sellers say thatâs simply how the durian trade works. A large wave of fruit can reach the market together, but once it passes, harvest volumes return to normal. Since the fruit spoils so quickly, retailers canât store extra stock and sell it later. This characteristic of durians means that sellers must act quickly to move their inventory, often leading to dramatic price fluctuations.
By the time many people hear about cheap durians and head out to buy them, the best bargains have already disappeared. This aspect of the durian market can be frustrating for consumers who may feel they have missed out on the opportunity to purchase the fruit at a lower price.
One seller believes bumper harvests could become more common over the next few years. Many Malaysian farmers expanded their orchards after China opened its market to fresh Malaysian durians in 2019. Trees planted around 2020 are now beginning to bear fruit, and Malaysiaâs overall supply is expected to keep rising gradually. This increase in supply could lead to more frequent price drops during harvest seasons.
Still, more fruit doesnât always mean better fruit. Newer plantations are harvesting from younger trees, and sellers say these can produce durians that look appealing but havenât yet developed the rich, creamy flavour many buyers expect. Mature trees usually produce better-quality fruit after several more years, which raises questions about whether the influx of new fruit will meet the high standards set by seasoned durian aficionados.
Based on what sellers are seeing, they believe prices could rise further as Johorâs season continues to taper off. This trend indicates that consumers may need to adjust their expectations regarding durian prices in the near future. The fluctuations in supply and demand mean that the window for purchasing durians at lower prices may be closing.
Their message to durian lovers is that if youâve been waiting for another big price drop, you may have already missed the sweetest moment. The durian season has always been a race against nature. Good harvests arrive in waves, and they disappear just as fast. Buying at the perfect price isnât always possible, but enjoying fresh fruit while itâs still plentiful usually beats waiting for a bargain that never returns.
As Singapore continues to embrace the durian culture, the implications of these price fluctuations extend beyond just the cost of fruit. The durian's status as a cultural icon in Singapore means that these price trends could influence local consumption habits and even the way businesses operate within the fruit market. Sellers may need to adapt their strategies to deal with the unpredictable nature of durian supply and demand, ensuring they can continue to meet the needs of their customers while navigating the challenges of a perishable product.
Read related: 1000kg free durians given away daily until August; long queues of up to 2 hours at Tampines fruit stall
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