Chennaiites express concern over rising vegetable rates-Cadre from People’s Welfare Front stage protest

Cadre from People’s Welfare Front staged a protest on Tuesday morning against price rise. The protestors seemed to have got their timing right, since with only a week to go for Deepavali, family budgets are tight and any hike in expense is a cause for concern. On Tuesday, vegetable prices were higher, compared to last week, when most vegetables except drumstick were affordable. Tomato, a staple in chutney, sambar and rasam was priced at Rs 40 in many shops, whereas it was selling at Rs 10 last week. Sambar onion was selling at Rs 55 a kilo and drumstick at Rs 60 a kilo. Beans and broad beans were also expensive, selling between Rs 35 and Rs 40 a kilo.

These prices are higher by at least 20%, over the prevailing prices in Koymabedu, the largest wholesale market for fruits, vegetables and other perishables. “Some of the retailers could be selling at a higher price since they suffer a lot of wastage in their stock, because of the rains,” says S Chandran of Koyambedu Wholesale Vegetable Market. "The arrival of fresh stock from Bengaluru has eased the prices of vegetables in the wholesale market but not in retail shops. Between 650 to 700 vans bring in fresh stock daily. We do not pass on the burden to customers."

Bellary onions- 45

Carrot- 28

Cabbage- 10

Collacasia- 15

Yam- 20

Brinjal- 10

Lady's finger- 15

Tomato- 30

Beans- 25- 30

Potato- 15

Sambar onion- 40

Drumstick- 40