VIJAYAWADA: Rise in prices of necessary commodities during the festive season is quite common every year. But due to the implementation of GST this year, there is a significant rise in the prices of various commodities. Right from idols to vegetables, the prices have increased over 20 per cent as compared to last year.The Plaster of Paris (PoP) idols are always the shows-stealers in every Ganesh Chaturthi festival. Usually, people opt for PoP idols. This year, the new taxation regime has increased the prices of colours and raw materials, thereby increasing the overall price of PoP idols. A 5-feet Ganesh idol costs around `8000-`12,000 depending on the design. In addition, customers have to pay 18 per cent GST.
Meanwhile, vegetable prices are also sore this time. Tomatoes cost `35 and while onions, which are priced at `23 in rythu bazaar, are being sold at over `50 in retail markets. The most important item during the festival- coconut is priced at over `20.As most people prefer to buy fruits and flowers just before the festival, serpentine queues were seen at market places on Thursday. Majority of the public are complaining about high prices of flowers and fruits. A small bunch of flowers is priced at `30. Coming to fruits, the prices for any kind is not less than `100.
B Vamsi Mohan, who was seen shopping for commodities said, “All the essential items are priced very high. A small bunch of flowers costs around `50, a puja book is being sold at `30. I did not buy decoration material as they are highly priced. A bunch of mango leaves is costing `100. Festivals have now turned into a costly affair.”“Shopping for the palavelli is reserved till the last day as the fruits and vegetables need to remain fresh for at least five days. The palavelli products include a variety of fruits and vegetable. We usually use the palavelli made of wood and small umbrella for the idol. This year, with an increase in the demand for seasonal fruits, the prices have also been increased,” said Yamini Prabha, a customer.