Hyderabad: Rising temperatures result in rise of vegetable prices

The city’s rising temperatures are having an impact not only on people’s health, but also on household budgets, as vegetable prices have risen.

Vegetable prices, including beans, carrots, ridge gourd, bitter gourd, brinjal, and others, have already skyrocketed.

Beans were the most expensive, with a retail price of Rs 100 per kg. Similarly, the prices of mint and coriander leaves have risen in recent weeks on the price chart.

Vegetable prices have risen due to unseasonal rains, high temperatures, a lack of arrivals, and the marriage season, according to traders at the Madanaapet vegetable market.

Raw mango prices have also risen due to a decrease in mango arrivals as a result of rain and hailstorms in several parts of the state. “Natu variety of raw mangoes which are used in making pickles are available at Rs 10 to Rs 12 each. Last year, the same variety was sold at Rs 5 each,” said Daya, a vendor at the market.

Summer also saw an increase in the demand for and price of lemons, which people used in a variety of ways during the hot months. Lemons were sold for Rs 3 each in March, but they are now sold for Rs 5 per piece.

Green chillies, a household staple, and potatoes, on the other hand, remained stable at Rs 35 to Rs 40 per kg and Rs 25 per kg, respectively. Aside from that, tomatoes were being sold at very low prices ranging from Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg.

“Despite unusual rains lashing several areas in Telangana, heavy arrival of tomatoes can be seen in the market. Last year tomatoes were sold at Rs 45 to Rs 50 per kg,” said one of the traders at the vegetable market.

People have become more selective in their vegetable purchases as prices have risen. Others have stated that they would rather skip the fun of shopping for vegetables at the market and instead order online to avoid the hot summer conditions.