The prices of vegetables has skyrocketed in Hyderabad, with officials struggling to curb profiteering activities across the city.
Despite a notice from the deputy commissioner, there has been no reduction in the price of broiler chicken meat. Vegetable vendors attribute the price surge to transportation disruptions caused by ongoing protests.
Profiteers have raised the prices of various vegetables from Rs100 to Rs.150 per kg. This sudden increase led to heated verbal clashes between vendors and buyers at different locations on Friday.
For instance, the price of red and green tomatoes, sold at Rs60 a day ago, surged to Rs150 per kg. Onions, previously at Rs200 per kg, now range between Rs220 to Rs.230. Tori, sold at Rs100 per kg, reached Rs180 per kg, and okra rose by Rs80 to Rs300 per kg.
Read No let-up from hike in vegetable, fruit prices
Bell peppers, which were Rs150 per kg, increased by Rs130, reaching Rs.280 per kg. Indigenous garlic rose from Rs300 to Rs700 per kg, while green chili increased from Rs.120 to Rs160 per kg. Brinjal surged by Rs90 to Rs150 per kg, and gourd, which was Rs60 per kg, jumped to Rs240 per kg. New potatoes are sold at Rs50 per kg, while old potatoes are unavailable even at Rs100 per kg.
Vegetable sellers attribute the scarcity to transport issues on Friday, causing prices to rise due to the shortage. The increased prices led to a significant decrease in vegetable sales on Friday, with citizens opting for lower-priced options.
Deputy Commissioner Tariq Qureshi noticed the surge in chicken meat prices and directed assistant commissioners to take immediate action.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 18th 2024.
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