Vegetable prices have seen a marginal hike in Mumbai's retail markets. However, traders have attributed the hike to seasonal changes and the increase in wholesale rates rather than the ongoing farmer strike in the country.
The sweltering heat also contributes to the price hike as vegetables are rotting due to the extreme temperature, opine some of the vegetable vendors in the city.
"We are indeed helpless about the soaring prices. Vegetables are a necessity and hence we have to buy them, " said Pamu Gangadhar, a buyer from the Elphinstone market.
While the price of tomatoes, potatoes, onions and lemons are surging, other vegetables like capsicum, cucumber, cabbage and cauliflower have recorded a moderate rise. Among the fruits, only apples and bananas have become costlier as compared to last week.
"We are dealing with a huge loss as the vegetables are getting destroyed during transit. However, we expect the prices to go down during monsoon," said a vendor.
Househol budgets have gone haywire, especially for the poorer sections. "We have to cut down on other luxury items. We feel helpless," said a homemaker.
