Banana selling prices in St. Petersburg ranged from USD 18.60 to USD 19.75 per box CIF during the week, influenced by brand, quality, volume, and packing factors. Prices were higher than the past week due to the seasonally higher demand for bananas.

Approximately 1.005 million boxes were discharged in week 35, with an anticipated discharge of around 1.155 million boxes in week 36. The exchange rate was 1 USD = 89.70 RUB.

Banana prices in the Mediterranean for Ecuadorian bananas ranged from USD 16.00 to USD 21.00 per box CIF, influenced by brand, volume, region, packing, and weight. The highest prices were observed in Algeria at USD 21.00 per box CIF and in Libya at USD 18.00-19.00 per box CIF. In Algeria, several containers remained still blocked at the port of Ghazaouet following recent narcotic discoveries.

In the Mersin Free Zone, re-exported Ecuadorian bananas to the neighbouring countries were priced between USD 16.00 and USD 17.00 per box, depending on brand, quality, volume, and packing. Prices reached up to USD 19.00 per box for extra-quality and heavier boxes. Central American brands were priced between USD 13.00 and USD 16.00 per box.

The exchange rate was 1 USD=33.99TL.

The Iranian market improved compared to last week, with demand increasing as the country's mourning month has concluded. Traders anticipate a further rise in demand in the coming weeks when schools reopen on September 22.

Ecuadorian bananas were priced between 75,000 and 83,000 IRT per kilogram, while Indian bananas ranged from 63,000 to 65,000 IRT per kilogram. Shipping between India and Iran remains limited, with freight rates reaching up to USD 3,000 per reefer container. The price for a 13.50 kg box of good-quality fruit from India was approximately USD 10.0 CIF Bandar Abbas. However, banana import licenses remain limited. The exchange rate has remained stable at 1 USD = 60,000 IRT.

The Ecuadorian spot market prices ranged from USD 7.00-7.50 to USD 8.00-8.50 per box during the week, just for the fruit. However, lower prices were also observed depending on the zone, quality, day of the week, and volumes.

According to industry sources, a couple of exporters' yearly contracts with growers have ended, and they are now purchasing exclusively spot fruit at the best achievable prices.

Several fixtures have been made for the fish trade across different regions in the chartering market. A vessel with a capacity of approximately 500,000 cubic feet has been taken on a time charter to join the fleet engaged in the melon trade between Brazil and Northern Europe. According to brokers, sailings will occur weekly, with loading on Wednesdays, and this schedule will continue for about 20 weeks.

The Time Charter rates for large vessels ranged from 35 to 45 US cents per cubic foot per month, depending on the nature of the voyage, idle time, and the duration of the ballast voyage. Recently, higher rates were achieved for frozen cargo from the USA to West Africa, benefiting from a very short ballast voyage and minimal idle time.

Time charter rates for smaller vessels were nearly at the same levels as those for larger ships, but several smaller vessels remained idle, awaiting orders.

Bunker Prices:

                                    VLSFO          MGO

Rotterdam                 $533.50         $640.00        

Gibraltar                    $583.50         $721.00                    

Panama Canal         $560.00         $695.50