Cyclone Arnab: Price Surge In Vegetables, Fruits, Flowers

Cyclone Arnab’s onslaught is affecting household budgets here, with prices of vegetables, fruits, flowers and eggs rising sharply amid supply chain disruptions caused by heavy rains and other transportation bottlenecks.

While Rythu Bazars continue to offer commodities at comparatively lower rates than private markets, consumers say the overall price rise has added to their financial burden. Information from Rythu Bazars on Thursday indicates higher rates for several essential commodities.

Among vegetables, onions are a major concern for consumers. In the open market, this is sold at around `80 per kg, while Rythu Bazars offer them between `44 and `54 per kg, depending on the variety. Tomatoes are priced at `36 per kg, while green chillies sell for `46-54 per kg.

Beans cost between `54 and `66 per kg, and garlic ranges from `90 to `130 per kg. Even commonly used vegetables such as brinjal, lady's finger, bitter gourd, and ridge gourd are selling at higher prices than before the cyclone.

Egg prices have also increased. An egg costs around `8 in retail markets, while Rythu Bazars sell them for `6.20 each. Consumers recalled that eggs were available for `4 to `5 apiece a few weeks ago.

Apples are selling for `200-260 per kg, pomegranates for `200-240 and oranges for up to `160 in Rythu Bazars. Bananas are priced between `60 and `100 per kg depending on the variety, while guavas cost `70-120 per kg. Grapes are selling between `120 and `340 per kg, reflecting supply fluctuations.

Flower prices have risen even more sharply as adverse weather conditions affected supplies from cultivation centres. Jasmine flowers are selling at `1,500 per kg, while kanakambaram and kagada malli flowers have reached similar levels. Chrysanthemums are priced at `300 per kg and roses at `180-240 per kg. Vendors say reduced arrivals ahead of the festive season have further pushed up prices.

Traders attribute the surge to crop damage in several cyclone-affected regions and disruptions in transportation networks. Heavy rainfall and inundated roads delayed produce from farming areas to wholesale markets, reducing arrivals and tightening supplies.

Though Rythu Bazars continue to cushion consumers from the full impact of market fluctuations, shoppers say the difference between open-market and Rythu Bazar prices is widening. With weather conditions yet to fully stabilise and fresh arrivals uncertain, traders do not expect prices to correct immediately.

For now, households across the city are paying more for everyday essentials.