New Delhi: There seems to be no immediate respite for the people from price inflation. In less than a week, prices of fruits and vegetables have flared up two-&-half-times due to factors like cartelisation, transport problems and rains.
At present, in most residential markets in the capital, vegetables have gone out of the common man’s reach. For example, peas are being sold at Rs 180 a kg, okra Rs 45, beans Rs 90, banana Rs 56, mushroom Rs 55, carrot Rs 39 a kg and coconut Rs 40 apiece. According to mandi sources, prices have sky-rocketed on the apprehensions of supply shortage due to rains, un-ending truckers’ strike (It entered its third day on Monday) and deliberate cartelisation.
However, market watchers see no apparent reason for the steep price rise. “Vegetable prices go up during three-months of monsoon – July, August and September. But this time, hike has been steep,” they said.
“Prices of okra, peas, beans, mushroom, carrot, coconut, cauliflower, bitter gourd and other vegetables have risen by Rs 20 a kg to Rs 50 a kg in the last 3-4 days,” a wholesaler told FC.
As per the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) data on Monday, vegetables like okra, capsicum and beans have seen a spike of Rs 8 a kg to Rs 20 a kg. In case of seasonal fruits, the story is no different. Mango is fetching a price of Rs 29 per kg, guava Rs 50 per kg and apple Rs 92 per kg, according to APMC data.
The national capital region of Delhi receives most vegetables and fruits supply from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Uttarakhand. During rains, supply from these states declines due to transportation issues.
“Wholesale prices of vegetables have increased sharply in the past few days due to rains and flood-like situation in many parts of the country. Supply of many vegetables in the wholesale market has dropped 30-45 per cent over the last few days,” said a vendor. “If the wholesale prices rise by Rs 20 a kg, in retail market rates will go up by Rs 40 a kg,” he added.
