Lower cultivation and crop production due to the El Nino effect on rainfall and inflation have led to a rise in essential commodity prices in the city.
HYDERABAD: Making modaks, the traditional dumpling sweet offered to Lord Ganesh during the 10‑day festivities, and other sweets and savouries has become expensive as prices of essential commodities, including sugar and jaggery, are soaring.
Lower cultivation and crop production due to the El Nino effect on rainfall and inflation have led to a rise in essential commodity prices in the city. Prices of sugar, rice, dals, oil, onions and vegetables have increased considerably, burdening households, particularly lower and middle‑income families.
The cost of a kilogram of sugar has gone up from Rs 45 to Rs 65, and jaggery Rs 55 to Rs 75. Depending on quality, fine rice was selling between Rs 60 and Rs 70 a kg, against Rs 50 earlier. Cooking oil is on average costlier by Rs 6. Prices of all varieties of dal, a staple in households, have risen by Rs 15 a kg. Toor dal now costs Rs 145 a kg, againts Rs 125 a fortnight ago, and urad dal Rs 140 from Rs 140.
Vegetable prices too have surged, with several varieties selling for more than Rs 100 a kg. “Earlier `100 fetched five kg of onions, now it gets only two,” said S. Sanjeev, a resident of Attapur. “With no other option, we are forced to reduce quantities and adjust expenses.”
M. Devender Reddy, who runs a general store in Saidabad, said prices had risen over the past 10 days. “Sales had already declined with online delivery and supermarkets; the rise in price is impacting our business more,” he said. K. Krishna of Mahalaxmi General Store said the price of fine quality rice had increased by `10–`12. Prices of chilli powder, coriander, turmeric and other masalas have also gone up.
Meanwhile, flower prices have been fluctuating depending on demand and supply. Swetha, an official at Gudimalkapur flower market, said prices rise on Fridays during Shravana masam due to increased demand, but have declined in recent days.
On September 4, chrysanthemum was priced at Rs 120 a kg, marigold Rs 50 and roses at Rs 170. By Monday, chrysanthemum fell to Rs 100, marigold to Rs 30 and roses to Rs 80 a kg. Flower vendors anticipate prices will shoot up during Ganesh Chaturthi, as demand for flowers is expected to increase.
