Tuesday 07 / July / 2026
MUSCAT: Pakistani mangoes are selling at higher prices in Oman this summer as soaring shipping costs and changes in cargo routes have significantly increased import expenses, distributors told Times of Oman on Tuesday.
While consumers have seen only a modest increase in retail prices, importers and wholesalers say they are absorbing most of the additional costs.
“Last year, the shipping cost for one container was around $1,000 to $1,300. This year, because of the regional conflict, the cost has risen to between $6,000 and $7,000 per container,” a retailer told Times of Oman. He added that most shipments this season are being routed through Salalah instead of Sohar, resulting in additional inland transportation and port clearance expenses of around $1,000 per container. “Most of this increase is being absorbed by importers and wholesale traders, with only a small portion being passed on to retailers and consumers,” he said.
Oman imports an average of around 15,000 metric tonnes of mangoes from Pakistan each year. The fresh mango season typically begins in the first week of June and continues until the end of August.
“However, we expect a slight decline in import volumes this year, mainly because of the sharp increase in shipping costs,” the retailer said.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Oman, Syed Naveed Safdar Bokhari, said Pakistan remains committed to ensuring that Omani consumers continue to enjoy its world-famous mangoes.
“Pakistani mangoes continue to remain the most popular variety of mango in Oman, and we will make every effort to ensure that our Omani brothers and sisters continue to enjoy this special treat from Pakistan,” the ambassador said.
Distributors in Oman say the popularity of Pakistani mangoes has expanded well beyond the Pakistani expatriate community. “Every year, demand increases significantly. Earlier, it was
mainly Pakistani customers who bought them regularly, but now shoppers from many other nationalities specifically come looking for Pakistani mangoes,” a distributor said.
Every summer, the orchards of Pakistan’s river-fed plains in Sindh and Punjab come alive with the harvest of fresh, fragrant mangoes.
Pakistan produces more than 1.8 million tonnes of mangoes annually, making it one of the world’s leading producers. However, industry experts say it is the fruit’s exceptional quality—not just the volume—that distinguishes Pakistani mangoes in international markets.
Pakistani mangoes are renowned for their rich flavour, juicy pulp, low fibre content and distinctive aroma. Among the country’s most celebrated varieties is Sindhri, known for its long golden shape and honey-like sweetness, which marks the beginning of the mango season.
It is followed by Langra, prized for its creamy texture and bold flavour; Anwar Ratol, a small but intensely sweet variety; and Chaunsa, often regarded as the finest of them all for its exceptional juiciness, fragrance and soft texture.
“These are not generic exports; they are regional masterpieces, often grown in family-owned orchards passed down through generations and nurtured by growers who know exactly when to harvest and how to care for the fruit,” an official said.
Demand for Pakistani mangoes continues to grow in Oman, with the fruit attracting an increasingly diverse customer base.
“There is growing international demand for naturally ripened, chemical-free fruit. Pakistani mangoes, often ripened naturally under the sun, are well suited to premium markets. With certification support and improved traceability, mango farms in Pakistan are gaining access to high-end retailers across Middle East, Europe and North America,” the official said. “In short, Pakistan’s mango season represents much more than agriculture. It is a celebration of tradition, flavour and cultural connection that crosses borders and generations.”
