According to P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association, these increases will range between 10 to 15 per cent. “This is because many farmers planted less crop during the second crop cycle. Coupled with a lack of labour during the pandemic, we are seeing the impact of the shutdown on the prices only now. This trend will continue for the rest of the month, with prices either increasing or remaining stable every week,” he said.

While some vegetables like tomatoes and onions are not expected to increase exponentially soon, other vegetables like brinjal, beans, broad beans and carrots will see a rise from next week onwards.

Meanwhile, the vendors continue to hold on to their hopes of returning to Koyambedu Market. “The rainy season is coming by soon. Conducting business in Madhavaram or Thirumazhisai market will become very difficult and dangerous for both vendors and customers alike. We hope we can return safely to Koyambedu soon,” he said.