Prices of vegetables soar

,Vijayawada: Prices of vegetables soared suddenly at shops other than Rytu Bazars in the city on Saturday. Tomato was sold at a price between Rs 40 and Rs 50. The price of same vegetable at Rytu Bazar was fixed at Rs 27. Prices of onion and green chillis were also skyrocketed in open market. While Rytu Bazar offered the same at Rs 24 per kg, vendors at different centres sold at Rs 40 and Rs 30 respectively.

“The prices of carrot and brinjal were not in the reach of the common man. While carrot was available at Rs 70-a-kg, brinjal had a price tag of Rs 50. My vegetable shopping ended with Rs 300 spent on four vegetables,” said M Ravindra, a teacher.

Rytu Bazars at Vidyadharapuram, Patamata, Kedareswarapet and Ajit Singh Nagar, along with PWD Grounds, have been selling vegetables at consumer-friendly prices. However, private markets at other places such as Kaleswara Rao Market, Mahanty Market, Satyanarayanapuram had failed to contain the prices.

“I noticed no big change in the prices of vegetables at other private markets and Kaleswara Rao Market. I came here from Chittinagar to save on purchases at Kaleswara Rao Market and ended up spending more,” said Sk Basha, a driver.

People, who buy vegetables at home from petty vendors, have been spending heavily. Though spending more they were getting a few vegetables. “Prices of leafy vegetables increased exorbitantly. No savings on vegetables buying at home,” says K Sunita, a housewife.

Cluster beans saw hike at local push-cart vendors. “We have margins which were only a bit higher than what private markets sell. After all, we also survive,” said N Appa Rao, a push-cart vendor. The prices of ladyfinger, drumstick, coriander and cucumber also increased forcing the consumers to spend more for vegetables.