Reduced arrivals during the monsoon and rising festive-season demand have pushed up prices of several fruits and vegetables, with onion prices doubling in around 10 days.
Raipur: Consumers in Raipur are facing increased pressure on their household budgets as prices of several vegetables and fruits have risen sharply amid the ongoing monsoon and festive season.
Traders at the wholesale vegetable market said the supply of several products has weakened because of rain, while demand has increased during the festive period. Onions have witnessed one of the sharpest increases, with wholesale prices rising from around ₹25–30 per kg about 10 days ago to ₹60–65 per kg currently.
Onion Prices Double in Just 10 Days
According to T Srinivas Reddy, President of the Wholesale Vegetable Market, onion prices have increased significantly due to reduced arrivals and higher demand from southern India during the festival season.
Previously, around 15–20 trucks of onions arrived in Raipur every day. The number has now fallen to approximately 8–10 trucks a day.
Demand for good-quality onions has reportedly increased in southern states, where traders are getting higher prices.
The festival season, including Onam and other upcoming celebrations, has further increased demand.
Garlic and Other Vegetables Also Become Expensive
Garlic prices have also risen considerably.
Wholesale garlic prices have reached around ₹250 per kg, while retail prices are reportedly between ₹280 and ₹300 per kg.
Other vegetables that have become more expensive include:
- Drumstick (Moringa)
- Khekhsi
- Pointed gourd (Parwal)
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
Retail prices of cauliflower have reportedly reached around ₹80–100 per kg.
However, there is some relief for consumers in the case of tomatoes. Retail tomato prices are currently around ₹30 per kg.
Why Are Onion Prices Rising?
Traders attribute the sharp increase in onion prices primarily to two factors:
1. Lower arrivals:
Daily onion arrivals in Raipur have fallen from around 15–20 trucks to 8–10 trucks.
2. Higher demand in South India:
The festive season has increased demand for good-quality onions in southern markets. Traders say onions are fetching higher prices there compared with Raipur.
Vegetable supplies reaching Chhattisgarh generally come from states including Maharashtra, West Bengal, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
Cauliflower is currently arriving mainly from Maharashtra, while garlic supplies are coming from Rajasthan.
Fruit Prices Also Rise
Vegetable inflation is not the only concern for consumers. Prices of several fruits have also increased during the monsoon and Sawan period.
Fruit trader Satish Sonkar said demand for fruits has increased since the beginning of Sawan, while rainfall has affected supplies.
Some fruits have become ₹50–100 per kg more expensive, while prices of other varieties have increased by around ₹20–25 per kg.
Pomegranate Prices Rise Sharply
Pomegranate is among the fruits that have seen a significant increase.
According to traders, pomegranate prices that were previously around ₹80–100 per kg have now risen to approximately ₹150–160 per kg.
Prices of apples, grapes and mangoes have also increased.
Rain Disrupts Fruit Supply
Heavy rainfall can affect fruit transportation and cause damage to perishable produce. This reduces the quantity reaching wholesale markets and increases wastage.
At the same time, demand tends to rise during Sawan and the festive season, creating additional pressure on prices.
Traders expect fruit prices to remain elevated for the next few days and believe that prices could ease once the monsoon-related supply disruptions reduce.
Consumers Face Double Pressure
The simultaneous increase in vegetable and fruit prices is putting additional pressure on household budgets.
While onion, garlic and several seasonal vegetables have become significantly more expensive, fruits such as apples and pomegranates are also becoming costlier.
For consumers, the immediate relief is limited to a few items such as tomatoes, which are currently available at comparatively lower prices.
With rainfall affecting supply and festive demand remaining strong, market prices are likely to remain volatile in the short term.
