Patna: For the past 15 days, the prices of common vegetables in the city’s markets have risen so much that they have upset the kitchen budget of almost every household. People from poor and middle-class families say that vegetables are slowly disappearing from their plates because they are no longer affordable. Many customers are now visiting the market only to ask the price and leave without buying anything.
Vendors say that the biggest reason behind the price rise is the low supply of vegetables. They claim that this year, the availability of vegetables is much less than usual. On top of that, the ongoing wedding season has increased demand, as large quantities are being bought for functions and feasts. With less supply and high demand, prices continue to climb every day, leaving both traders and shoppers worried.
A look at the market rates shows the pressure on consumers. Bottle gourd is selling for Rs 50 per kg, brinjal for Rs 60 per kg, and bitter gourd for Rs 100 per kg. Peas have reached Rs 120 per kg, beans are at Rs 100 per kg, and cauliflower is priced between Rs 50 and Rs 80 per kg. Cabbage costs Rs 40–60 per kg, pointed gourd Rs 100 per kg, tomatoes Rs 80 per kg, and green chillies Rs 80–90 per kg. Ladyfinger, spinach, new potatoes and onions are also selling at high rates, with coriander leaves costing up to Rs 100 — something that earlier used to be offered for free.
Local residents like Suraj Kumar, Vipin Kumar, Ajay Sah and Pankaj Singh say rising prices have made life difficult. They used to buy vegetables for a whole week with just Rs 200–300. Now the same amount doesn’t even last for two or three days. Many families are now cooking only one type of vegetable to manage their expenses. Items like potatoes, onions and tomatoes — widely used in every home — have not seen a price drop for almost a month.
Vegetable sellers are also struggling. Vendor Rambabu Kushwaha says that because of the sudden rise in wholesale prices, even they are facing losses. Customers hesitate to buy, and daily sales have dropped. According to him, this season normally brings plenty of fresh vegetables and lower prices, but this year the situation is completely different. With high wholesale rates and reduced supply, vendors are forced to sell at high prices, leaving both sides burdened by inflation.
