Vegetable prices in India shoot up due to fuel price hikes
The abrupt rise in the fuel price has hit the Delhi wholesale markets. The potato price has shot up…The abrupt rise in the fuel price has hit the Delhi wholesale markets. The potato price has shot up from ₹15 to 30 per kg (€0.17-0.35) as the vendors are paying more for the transportation of vegetables coming from neighboring states.
However, the households can currently still find vegetables at a cheaper price because of stocks being available. But as soon as the stocks finish the vendors will start sailing products at a nearly double price.
"The transportation cost has increased exponentially and this is affecting the traders. The price of things will increase if the situation persists," said Shivraj Sharma of the Mandi of Okhla. He added that the remaining old stock of vegetables will be finished in some days and after that, they will be forced to sell products at much higher price. "Potato, tomato, onion and ginger prices will rise. Tomato will be around ₹50 to 60 per kg (€0.60-0.70), onions will be ₹50 per kg. Now tomato is around ₹20 per kg and onion is ₹20 per kg too," said Sharma.
In Delhi, petrol costs ₹80.87 per liter, diesel goes for ₹72.97 (€0.96 and €0.87).
The other markets and the vendors also voiced the same concerns. "The poor vendors are worst hit all over India. In Delhi, the wholesale markets are suffering due to the situation. We have requested the transporters do not hike the price much but they also have their own concerns. We always try to keep price affordable but we all have our limitations, because it is a business and we cannot afford a huge loss," Sushil Singh of the Ghazipur Market Association told The Millennium Post.