As the festive season approaches, vegetable prices are soaring, putting a strain on household budgets. Reports indicate that wholesale markets have seen a significant drop in vegetable supply—up to 25%. With demand rising and supply falling, retail prices have surged past ₹80-100 per kilogram for essential vegetables.
In Ahmedabad, prices for peas and lemons have reached alarming levels. Peas, commonly used in both restaurants and home cooking, now cost around ₹200 per kilogram. Lemons aren’t far behind either; they’re also selling for ₹200. The price hikes extend beyond these two staples as many other everyday vegetables are becoming increasingly unaffordable.
Currently, bitter gourd, ridge gourd, and fenugreek are priced between ₹80-100 per kilogram. Additionally, eggplant, cauliflower, carrots, and coriander have hit ₹80-90. Even onions and cucumbers that were once more budget-friendly are now priced at around ₹70 each. Ginger is similarly steep at about ₹150-180 per kilogram while potatoes sit at approximately ₹40.
Local traders attribute the price increases to seasonal changes and crop losses affecting supply over the past few days. They warn that without new supplies coming in soon, there’s little hope for relief at the market.
Meanwhile, housewives express frustration over managing their households amid rising costs; they feel forced to double their spending on vegetables just to maintain their usual meals.