The fruit supply in May was lower than expected, sending prices up by almost 15% over the previous month, according to the Agriculture Ministry.
The ministry said the increase was the result of the combined effects of cuts in quotas for water for irrigation, above-normal winter temperatures and the seasonal decline in winter crops such as citrus and avocado. Leading the pack were avocados, the price of which rose by nearly 21% in May, and oranges and grapefruits, which were 10% more expensive.
These price increases were somewhat offset by vegetable prices, which declined overall by almost 4% due in part to the relatively warm spring weather, which caused vegetables to ripen more quickly.
Among the steepest price declines were seen for onions (23%), cucumbers (16%) and zucchini (8%).
The combined price index for fruit and vegetables increased by 4%.
Overall prices for fresh food, including fish, meat, eggs and milk, rose by 0.5% in May.