₹120-140 per kg new normal for many veggies in city markets

Now, Rs 120-140 per kg has become the new retail average for common garden vegetables, up from Rs 60-80 earlier. Traders blame rising fuel and transportation costs for the price rise.

- Bella Jaisinghani

Shankar Pingale, director at APMC Vashi, blamed excess and unseasonal rainfall for crop damage and consequent shortages. "Tomato have wilted in all growing areas (Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat) due to heavy rainfall. Good red fruit costs Rs 40-50 in wholesale so naturally retail rates are Rs 60-80. The situation will improve only after the new crop arrives in mid-November. The same is the case with other vegetables. Only 20-30% of the current crop is of good quality. The remaining is average or below par," he said.