Vegetable prices shoot up as petrol, diesel become dearer

Mumbai, June 11 (UNI) Following the hike in petrol and diesel prices the prices of vegetables have also skyrocketed by around Rs 25-30, per kg according to Navi Mumbai Vegetables Merchant Association president Navinbhai Maru.

He said, even though the annual rate of inflation had remained below five per cent since the past few weeks, the prices of vegetables and oils at retail markets have not reduced.

The annual rate of inflation had decreased to 4.68 per cent for the week ended May 27, as against 4.74 per cent during the previous week due to decline in prices of food items. Vegetables that were available between Rs 10 to Rs 25 are today available at Rs 15 to Rs 80,'' he cited.

Whenever there is a hike in petrol and diesel prices, essential commodities, including vegetables become costlier, Mr Maru pointed out. Earlier vegetables costing Rs 10 per kg are being sold at Rs 40 per kg, he informed.

Mr Maru further said that there was insufficient arrivals of vegetables coming in from Vasai, Virar, Valsad, Palghar, Vapi, Pune, Nashik and other areas, pushing the prices higher. Moreover, agricultural land have been sold off by the farmers to builders builders at several places.

At present, the prices of brinjal is Rs 30-40 per kg (earlier Rs 25-30 kg), lady's finger is Rs 40-60 kg (Rs 35-45), bittergourd is Rs 80-120 kg (50-65 kg).

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