The price of essential commodities, including vegetables, fish and meat has gone up by 30 per cent in the city during the last two months.
According to the traders at Ernakulam market, the price of ginger has gone up to `160 a kg from `150 kg. The rates of shallot has also gone up by `10. They say short supply and transportation issues owing to monsoon are the major reasons behind the spurt in prices. There are fears of goods shortage and steep hike in prices in the coming weeks if the rain continues to be deficient.
While prices of pumpkins, beans, and cabbage remained high for the last two months, that of onion, potato and chilli have increased manifold during these months. “The rate may decrease if Tamil Nadu receives considerable rainfall in the coming days. But, from what we understand is that it will be difficult to get any vegetable less than minimum price of `20,” says N H Shameed, former secretary, Ernakulam Market Stall Owners Association.
The cost of broccoli, cauliflower and coriander leaves rose the fastest. Egg prices also varied from `3.20- `4. Beef was sold of `180-`190 range and fishes like Mackerel, Tuna, Threadfin Bream and Indian Anchovy also increased and poultry birds ranged `125-130 a kg. The traders added that the price increase has lead to low consumer demand.