As veggie prices pinch, mandi says no shortage

NEW DELHI: It is only the start of the Navratra and prices of fruits and vegetables are on the rise in the city. Azadpur mandi officials say there is no shortage of vegetables in the wholesale market and prices of only some off-season vegetables like bitter gourd, pointed gourd (parval) and lady’s finger are expectedly high. However, Delhiites continue to pay through their nose for veggies as retailers have spiked rates.
The price of bitter gourd has remained almost the same in the wholesale market, fluctuating between Rs 33 and Rs 35 per kg between March 1 and March 22. In the retail market, the price has shot up to an average Rs 60. Within a single colony like CR Park, a kilogram of bitter gourd can be bought for anything between Rs 60 and Rs 80.
“Vegetables like bitter gourd and pointed gourd are off-season so their prices can be high. But going by the massive variation in rates across the city, it is evident that the retailers have hiked rates. Otherwise, there is no problem in supply. Rates are under control,” said an official of the Azadpur mandi.
Aditipriya Wohra, a resident of South Extension, says prices have been on the rise for about 10 days now. “There is a difference of about Rs 2-10 in prices of most vegetables. Essential items like ginger and green chillies are also expensive. Ginger costs Rs 75-80 per kg. Now that the Navratras have started, fruits are also quite expensive. I spend Rs 700-Rs 1,000 on vegetables and fruits for three days.”
In east Delhi’s Parparganj, Vidhi Mathur says, “I was worried about vegetable rates in Patparganj as they have risen by Rs 3-5 since the beginning of the month. But my sister-in-law in GK is paying Rs 5-10 more than me.”
Though there is no change in rates at the wholesale market, it is still immediately held responsible for price rise by retailers. Chandan, a vendor in IP Extension, says, “There has been a rise of Rs 2-10 in the past two weeks. The mandi rates are going up and we are helpless.”