Cyclone Fengal impact: Prices of vegetables soar in Bengaluru due to disruption in supply- NSP NEWS

The recent rainfall triggered by Cyclone Fengal has affected the supply of vegetables to Bengaluru markets, driving up the prices yet again. After a brief price reduction, vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and beans have become expensive by ₹20 – ₹30 per kg in the last few days.

While tomatoes are sold at ₹45 per kg in wholesale markets, retail prices have touched ₹70 – ₹75 per kg.

K. T. S. Niyamat, a wholesale vegetable trader in Kalasipalya Market, said, “The supply of tomatoes has been greatly affected due to the rains, causing a spike in demand.”

Beans that were previously priced at ₹40 – ₹45 per kg have now surged to ₹70 per kg in wholesale markets over the past two days due to a sudden reduction in supply. Similarly, the prices of ladies’ fingers have increased, with wholesale and retail rates at ₹35 – ₹40 per kg and ₹65 – ₹75 per kg respectively. Brinjal are priced at ₹20 – ₹25 per kg in wholesale markets and ₹40 – ₹50 per kg in retail.

Rarely has radish crossed ₹50 per kg mark in Bengaluru, but it is sold at ₹60 – ₹70 per kg in retail markets.

“Currently, radishes are sourced from Karnataka. They are coming from Tamil Nadu. Usually, the vegetable is priced at not more than ₹20 per kg in wholesale markets, but it is now being sold at ₹25 – ₹28 per kg. This price increase is attributed to retailers adding logistics costs and selling the vegetable at a higher price,” Mr. Niyamat said.

Because of low supply, staple vegetables like potatoes and onions (good quality) are also sold at higher prices, with ₹50 – ₹55 per kg and ₹70 – ₹75 per kg respectively in wholesale markets.

Prathap Reddy, a vegetable trader from K.R. Market, said, “Bengaluru markets are highly dynamic these days as the weather keeps fluctuating. The prices of vegetables keep changing almost every day depending on supply. Once the supply is stabilised, we expect the prices of many vegetables to come down by ₹15 – ₹20 per kg.”