Supply issues due to rains in other states have led to a spurt in prices last week, which will continue in the following week. “There will be a 10 per cent increase in prices in the week to follow due to supply issues. Due to the relaxation of the shutdown, we are expecting an increase in supply due to ease of farming, but that will take time. We can expect the rise in prices for a week,” said P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association.

Tomato prices are expected to increase to Rs 50 per kg from Rs 40 per kg, and beans are expected to be at Rs 45 from Rs 40 this week. Onions prices will remain relatively stable, with no expected increase from the Rs 25 of this week.

However, despite the city opening up, demand is still low. According to S Mookandi, secretary of Koyambedu Flower Merchants’ Association, the missed opportunities from festivals will affect sales.

“The next big season will be during Ayudha Puja, and then Diwali after that. The new market in Vanagaram does have issues of high rent costs. The market is also unsafe if there are rains, which are predicted to happen,” he said.