Hazaribagh, july 10: Soaring vegetable prices have disrupted household budgets in Hazaribagh, with garlic selling at ₹180–200 per kg and onions retailing at ₹40–45 per kg amid a decline in supplies from key producing regions.
Wholesale traders said the sharp rise in prices has been driven by reduced arrivals from Nashik and Indore. According to traders, onion arrivals have dropped from 10–12 truckloads a day to fewer than 10 over the past 15 days, creating a supply-demand gap that has pushed up retail prices.
“The biggest reason for the rise in prices is the decline in arrivals from Nashik and Indore. Due to the lack of supply compared to demand, retail prices are steadily rising,” wholesale traders said.
Traders said there is little immediate hope of relief, warning that onion prices could cross ₹50 per kg after the start of the holy month of Sawan. They added that the new onion crop is expected to reach markets only in October-November, meaning prices are likely to remain volatile until then.
Vegetable vendors said rising wholesale prices have left them with no option but to increase retail rates, while inflation has also affected consumer demand.
“Inflation is affecting sales, and customers are buying less than before. We are buying vegetables at higher wholesale prices, so we are forced to increase retail prices,” vendors said.
Traders further cautioned that prices of onions, garlic and other vegetables could climb further in the coming days if supplies do not improve.
