Mumbai: Amid coronavirus crisis, this festival season will see a surge in the prices of vegetables, pulses, edible oil, and many more. There is a possibility of a big jump in the price of fruits for Durga Puja, as per the traders dealing in the fruit market.
According to traders, currently the prices of vegetables, edible oil and pulses will not decrease and it will keep on increasing for the entire festive season. The reason for this is the huge difference between demand and supply right after unlock-5 is being implemented. In the festive season, there is every possibility of a further rise in demand due to increase in demand.
The food items prices saw a huge difference from the months of March to October. The prices were as follows- Arhar dal for March month was Rs.93 and in October it rose to Rs.111. Mustard Oil was for Rs.124 in March whereas in October it raised to Rs.142. Soya Oil for March month was Rs.117 and in October it rose to Rs.122 Sunflower was for Rs.123 in March whereas in October it raised to Rs. 141. Potato for March month was Rs.23 and in October it rose to RS.37. Tomato for March month was Rs.26 and in October it rose to Rs.45. Palm oil for March was Rs. 102 and Rs.106 in October. The Onion has risen from Rs.38 in March to Rs. 43 in October.
The ever-increasing prices of pulses with green vegetables, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, mustard oil has made a hole in the kitchen budget. In the wholesale market, the price of arhar dal has crossed Rs 115 a kg. In many major cities including Delhi, the prices of pulses have increased by 15 to 20 rupees. Since last month, Arhar pulses have risen by 20%, moong and urad dal have also become costlier by 10 %.
According to media reports, in which Rajendra Sharma, general secretary of Azadpur Mandi Potato-Onion Merchant Association (POMA) said, that onion are currently available in the mandi for between Rs 25 to Rs 40, potatoes Rs 28 to Rs 40 and tomatoes between Rs 35 and Rs 40. Recently, potato, onion and tomato prices have increased rapidly and this boom can continue till the festive season. However, a big boom is not expected here as supply is increasing in the mandis with Unlock-5 and it will help control the price.