Bhubaneswar: After rise in the prices of different grocery articles, consumers of vegetables are now also feeling the rate pinch in several parts of Odisha.
People were already hit by skyrocketing prices of dal, rice, flour, edible oil and other essential commodities over the last few days. They have now come under additional burden following considerable increase in the prices of some vegetables.
While the price of onion has gone up from Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg, that of tomato has touched Rs 60 a kg in many places. Ginger is selling for around Rs 60 per 250 grams, said a resident of Bhubaneswar. In some places, onion is available for Rs 40 a kg.
Most of the vegetables are now selling at rates of above Rs 60-70 per kg. It has become difficult to get a bag full of green vegetables for Rs 500 that hardly lasts for a week.
Earlier, onion was available for Rs 30 per kg, the price has almost doubled in some places in just one week, compounding the woes of the consumers, already reeling under grocery price rise.
The rising prices have burdened the lives of lower middle-income groups and economically weaker families.
While consumers are worried, traders attribute the price rise to supply shortage and low production. Some claim that the huge stock of onions was damaged due to the excess heat, leading to the shortage.
The prices are expected to come under control once it starts raining normally, they said.