Cold cuts vegetable supply, prices zoom

The big freeze has not only made life difficult for Delhiites, it’s also led to a massive jump in vegetable prices.

The big freeze has not only made life difficult for Delhiites, it’s also led to a massive jump in vegetable prices.

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Prices of onions and tomatoes have gone up 50% over the past week while cauliflowers — high on demand, low on stock — are selling at 150% more.

“Produce has not been coming in from neighbouring states, largely because of the fog and poor weather. Prices of nearly all vegetables have gone up manifold,” said a vendor at a Safal outlet.

Retailers said these prices would stay till the cold let up while wholesalers said supply was dwindling. The Agricultural Produce Marketing Committee, which procures farm supply, has increased prices of onions, cauliflowers and carrots, affecting retail rates.

“I bought onions for Rs. 15 a kg last week. This week, vendors are asking for R25-28. We used to spend Rs. 500 a week on vegetables, now we’ll end up spending Rs. 1,000,” said Lata Sharma of RK Puram.

Consumers feel a mechanism ought to be introduced to check seasonal price rise. “I support a family of four. If it’s the same every year, shouldn’t the authorities stock up in advance to ensure there isn’t such a sharp rise in prices? Transferring the cost to the consumer is insensitive,” said Rakesh Talwar of Lajpat Nagar.