Veggie prices go through the roof in Chandigarh
A sharp increase in the prices of vegetables has low-income and middle-class families at the receiving end, with the retail price of tomato alone having almost doubled to Rs 60 in the past one week or so.
A sharp increase in the prices of vegetables has low-income and middle-class families at the receiving end, with the retail price of tomato alone having almost doubled to Rs 60 in the past one week or so.
There has been an overall spike in the prices of vegetables and if retailers are to be believed the rates will continue to increase in the weeks to come. The prices may get stable only after 20 days, they said.
The wholesale price of tomato was Rs 15-20 per kg in Chandigarh nearly a week ago which has now gone up to Rs 30-40 per kg. The retail price has increased from Rs 30-40 per kg to Rs 50-60 per kg.
Tomatoes have hit the budget of low-income and middle-class families, especially when keeping the fact in mind the commodity is a common ingredient.
“I cannot cook any vegetable without tomato as it is the most commonly used ingredient. If the rates continue to rise, I will start using tomato puree,” said Sangeeta Kansal, a homemaker from Sector 27. Hina Garg, another city resident, said, “I used to buy 5-6 kg tomato every month but now I have to manage with just 3-4 kg.”
The price of cauliflower has increased from Rs 30- 40 per kg in the past 15 days and it is likely to further increase to Rs 50. The price of garlic has increased from Rs 80 to Rs 140 per kg and of capsicum from Rs 40 to Rs 80 per kg.
Digvijay Kapoor, president, Sabzi Mandi Arhtiya Association, said, “The prices of vegetables increase around this time every year. High temperatures during April and May in Punjab and heavy rain in Himachal Pradesh have hit the production of tomato and other vegetables.”
It is not only vegetables, but the prices of pulses have also gone up. The price of chana dal has shot up from Rs 73 per kg to Rs 83 per kg in a week.