Traders and experts blamed poor supply of almost all kitchen essentials for the surge in prices and have ruled out a price correction any time soon because of rain-related problems of supply and spoilage. The supply of vegetables continues to be about half of the usual arrival, said Anna Gule, in charge of the fruits and vegetables sub-section at the city's Agriculture Produce Market Committee.
"The monsoon has arrived, but that has so far not translated into a sizeable stock reaching the city. So far, the drought-affected crop is being harvested and received. Crop sown now will be better, but that will reach the city only after a month or so. Green leafy vegetables, though, could see a price correction faster. Thankfully, the rain is good so far. So, there is a hope for a good harvest," he said.
In the retail market, vegetables like tomato, ginger, green chillies and even beans, capsicum, cauliflower and ladyfinger continue to command high rates. Good quality tomato is still selling for almost Rs 80 per kg in most areas. Beans, too, have not registered a price correction and are being sold for almost Rs 70 per kg, while vegetables like cauliflower and ladyfinger are selling at more than Rs 50 per kg. Green leafy vegetables are being sold at premium rates as well. While a standard bunch of coriander is commanding Rs 25, fenugreek is going for Rs 20 a bunch.
