Andhrapradesh: Vegetable prices skyrocketed in Guntur and Vijayawada

Guntur/ Vijayawada: Vegetable prices sky rocketed in Guntur and Vijayawada on Monday due to the lockdown and short supplies from the rural areas. Thousands of people stormed the Rytu bazaars and other markets in the two cities and purchased the veggies and other essential commodities.

Most of the vegetable stocks were exhausted by afternoon and many people left disappointed as they could not buy the vegetables. Due to the impact of spreading Coronavirus, the state and Central governments announced lockdown till March 31.

There is possibility of declining vegetable supplies from rural areas in the coming days.

So, many people are purchasing more quantities and it led to increasing demand. As a result, the retail traders increased the prices of vegetables and sold at higher price in Vijayawada and Guntur. In Guntur, lady's finger which was sold at Rs 18-a -kg two days ago now selling Rs 25-a-kg. Brinjals price jumped to Rs 30-a-kg from Rs 20-a-kg two days ago. Cucumber price hiked to Rs 30-a-kg from Rs 15-a -kg two days ago.

Potatoes are selling at Rs 27-a-kg. Bananas used for curries selling at Rs 7 which was sold at Rs 5 earlier. Fresh leafy vegetables are not available in the Rytu bazaars. Almost all vegetable prices increased from Rs 5 to Rs 10- per kg. As a result, the consumers would have to spend more for vegetables. Meanwhile, some consumers are purchasing more onions, which were sold at Rs 24-a-kg.

In Guntur, vegetables stocks exhausted before 9 am on Monday at Pattabhipuram Rytu bazaar. The consumers are feeling that if lockdown continues, vegetables may not available in the market.

The consumers have been keeping stocks of vegetables and essential commodities in the house, as a precautionary measure. Consumers are purchasing more vegetables in the Rytu bazaars. When the traders have no stocks, they left the stalls.

In Vijayawada too thousands of consumers thronged Rytu bazaars since early morning and stocks in most bazaars ran out by 12 noon.

It is assumed similar situation will continue some more days as people are purchasing in more quantities fearing that stocks may not be available in near future. There will be lockdown till March 31. It is assumed the lockdown may be enhanced, if more Coronavirus cases are reported in the country.