“We have not faced any supply issues during the rains this time. But we are expecting an increase in vegetable prices this week if the weather remains clear. This is because many of our smaller customers like pushcart vendors will return to business,” said P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Wholesale Vegetable Merchants’ Association.

Prices of certain vegetables, such as brinjal and carrot, have already seen a ten per cent increase in prices this week. In the week to follow, all vegetables will see a similar increase, he added.

The price of brinjal per kg currently stands at Rs 45 and is estimated to reach Rs 50 in the week to come. Prices of tomatoes will also increase to Rs 45 per kg, while potatoes will remain stagnant at Rs 55-60 per kg this week. Prices of beans, broad beans, and onions will see a 5-10 per cent increase. Beans and broad beans will be Rs 40 per kg and onions Rs 60 per kg.

Meanwhile, vendors state that the rains have affected their sales owing to a dip in demand. “Most of our customers are grocery and larger vegetable stores only. Due to the rains, smaller clients have avoided coming to the market. We have seen a 40 per cent drop in business,” said a tomato vendor at Koyambedu.