Ranchi: Vegetable prices witnessed a noticeable increase across city markets over the past week, putting further strain on household budgets. Traders attributed the rise to higher transportation costs due to rise in fuel prices as most vegetables are sourced from nearby districts as well as neighbouring West Bengal and Odisha.Tomato, one of the kitchen staples, is now retailing at around Rs 50 per kg compared to Rs 30 per kg last week. Onion prices have increased from Rs 20 per kg to Rs 30 per kg. Potato is being sold at Rs 25 per kg against Rs 19 earlier, while cucumber prices have risen from Rs 20 per kg to Rs 30.Other vegetables have also become costlier. Green capsicum is selling at Rs 160 per kg, okra at Rs 60 per kg, French beans at Rs 160 per kg, spinach at Rs 100 per kg, and pointed gourd, a seasonal favourite, at Rs 80 per kg.Petrol price in Ranchi is Rs 105.29 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 100.49 per litre, compared to Rs 97.85 and Rs 91.60 per litre, respectively, about a month ago. The increase followed the Centre’s decision to raise fuel prices amid disruptions in global energy markets triggered by the West Asia conflict. Traders said the higher fuel costs have pushed up transportation expenses for vegetables arriving in the city, ultimately affecting retail prices.“The monthly kitchen budget has gone up considerably over the past few weeks. First LPG became costlier and now vegetable prices are higher almost every time we visit the market. We have started reducing the quantity of some vegetables and planning meals more carefully to stay within our budget. Even simple daily cooking is becoming expensive,” said Subhra Chatterjee, a homemaker from Harmu.Vegetable vendor Santosh Mahato at Kokar market said, “Most supplies come from outside Ranchi. When fuel becomes expensive, freight charges increase and the burden ultimately reaches consumers.”
