Vegetable prices to skyrocket further in next 10 days
Retailers claim that a further rise in prices of basic vegetables like tomatoes, onions and potatoes can be expected in the next 10 days.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: A slight dip in vegetable prices in the second week of October has given way to increasingly expensive vegetables in the run-up to Diwali. Retailers claim that a further rise in prices of basic vegetables like tomatoes, onions and potatoes can be expected in the next 10 days.
Yet again, the wholesale market claims that prices in the mandi have actually been coming down in the past two weeks. "There has been some variation in prices but that is a normal process based on demand and supply. Now that winter is coming, we are expecting better quality vegetables and in greater quantity. Prices in general have been falling and we are expecting them to come down further," said a senior official of the Azadpur Produce Marketing Committee.
The reality, however, is far removed from this at the local markets. In the first week of October, during Dussehra, prices of vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes had gone up by Rs 4-5 per kg. While the wholesale rates have remained the same since then, the retailers have taken advantage of the approaching Diwali season to hike rates. "Till September, I was paying Rs 35-40 for a kg of tomatoes. On Thursday my maid picked up a kilogram for Rs 50 though the vendor was actually asking for Rs 55. They blatantly accept there is no shortage but then say that everything becomes expensive during festival time and hence the increase in the prices," said Sumita Singh, a government official.
Asha Mathur, a resident of IP Extension, says that a Rs 100 note can be used to purchase vegetables enough for only a day. "As it is, expenditure goes up during festival time and to also have to spend more on fruits and vegetables when their prices in the mandi are coming down make you feel angry. My brother-in-law works at the Azadpur mandi and I know that there is no shortage. However, my vendor uses short supply as a constant excuse for increasing rates. Milk, dairy products and fuel are all expensive now," she said.
Retailers agree that the current cost escalation in only because of Diwali. "Everything is so expensive and we too need to earn enough to be able to afford a decent festival for our families. A slight increase in per kg costs doesn't mean much to the consumer but we are able to earn a decent amount. In the coming week, potatoes, onions and tomatoes, among some other vegetables, will become more expensive across the city," said Pappu, a vendor in east Delhi.
Yet again, the wholesale market claims that prices in the mandi have actually been coming down in the past two weeks. "There has been some variation in prices but that is a normal process based on demand and supply. Now that winter is coming, we are expecting better quality vegetables and in greater quantity. Prices in general have been falling and we are expecting them to come down further," said a senior official of the Azadpur Produce Marketing Committee.
The reality, however, is far removed from this at the local markets. In the first week of October, during Dussehra, prices of vegetables like potatoes and tomatoes had gone up by Rs 4-5 per kg. While the wholesale rates have remained the same since then, the retailers have taken advantage of the approaching Diwali season to hike rates. "Till September, I was paying Rs 35-40 for a kg of tomatoes. On Thursday my maid picked up a kilogram for Rs 50 though the vendor was actually asking for Rs 55. They blatantly accept there is no shortage but then say that everything becomes expensive during festival time and hence the increase in the prices," said Sumita Singh, a government official.
Asha Mathur, a resident of IP Extension, says that a Rs 100 note can be used to purchase vegetables enough for only a day. "As it is, expenditure goes up during festival time and to also have to spend more on fruits and vegetables when their prices in the mandi are coming down make you feel angry. My brother-in-law works at the Azadpur mandi and I know that there is no shortage. However, my vendor uses short supply as a constant excuse for increasing rates. Milk, dairy products and fuel are all expensive now," she said.
Retailers agree that the current cost escalation in only because of Diwali. "Everything is so expensive and we too need to earn enough to be able to afford a decent festival for our families. A slight increase in per kg costs doesn't mean much to the consumer but we are able to earn a decent amount. In the coming week, potatoes, onions and tomatoes, among some other vegetables, will become more expensive across the city," said Pappu, a vendor in east Delhi.
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