GURUGRAM: Skyrocketing vegetable prices in the festive season have forced several households to buy essential items in smaller quantities. The prices of onions, potatoes, beans and other vegetables have almost doubled in Gurugram in the past two weeks.
In October, the inflation rate of vegetables has soared to 25%. Vendors said the prices are not likely to come down in the coming days. Notably many families eat vegetarian food during the nine days of Navratri festival and the sudden hike in prices has affected such families the most.
Potato, which generally costs Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg round the year, is being sold at Rs 60 these days. Similarly, the price of onion has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 80 per kg and tomato prices have risen to Rs 80 per kg.
Meanwhile, residents have demanded the district administration to look into the matter. “Along with the prices of green vegetables, the cost of the potato and onion has also increased alarmingly owing to which salaried people like us are having a tough time,” said Sector 56 resident Nidhi Srivastava.
A vegetable vendor in this sector Bhagat Kumar blamed the untimely rains for the steep increase. Dev Kumar, president of Gurugram Sadar Bazar vegetable market vendor association, said that prices of vegetables and fruits have increased sharply at the Azadpur Mandi. “Prices of tomatoes and onions had already increased due to the rains in Karnataka. Unfavourable weather and rising fuel prices have affected vegetable supply, leading to a steep rise in prices,” he added.
Arvind Kumar, who runs an eatery in Sector 18 said that he has stopped serving salad to his customers since the past few days. However fruit vendor Ranjan Singh said that a marginal increase in fruit price was a common affair during Durga Puja and Diwali. While the possibilities of regular supply of vegetables have cooled down the prices in the wholesale market, the retail market is yet to see a reduction.
PS Dalal, a wholesale onion trader in Khandsa Mandi, said that the cost of transportation has increased compared to last year and especially over the past few days. “Truckers and labourers have also increased rates, making up for the losses incurred during the nationwide lockdown, which has further hiked prices,” he said.