Vegetable prices skyrocket amid severe heatwave; vendors and consumers at receiving end

PTC Web Desk: As summer heat intensifies and heatwaves sweep across the region, the prices of vegetables have reached unprecedented heights. From tomatoes to onions, gourds to pumpkins, brinjals to potatoes, nearly all vegetables have seen their rates double.

The sweltering temperatures and lack of rainfall have severely impacted the production and quality of vegetables, leading to significant price hikes in markets across Punjab.

Vegetable vendors and wholesalers are attributing the increasing prices to the extreme weather conditions. According to them, the persistent heat and rising temperatures are causing vegetables to spoil quickly, further exacerbating the supply shortage. The lack of rain has also hindered the growth of crops, resulting in lower yields and higher prices.

A vendor said, “Onions that used to sell for Rs 20 per kg are now priced between Rs 40 and Rs 50  per kg. In the coming days, we expect the price of onions to reach Rs 100 per kg.” This steep increase is not limited to onions alone. A comparison of current prices with those from previous weeks reveals a clear trend of rising costs.

Onions earlier priced at Rs 30-Rs 35 per kg, are now selling for Rs 50 per kg. Tomatoes previously Rs 10 to Rs 15 per kg are now Rs 30 to Rs 40 per kg. Potatoes that were earlier being sold for Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, are now Rs 30 to Rs 35 per kg.

Other prices are as following: Ginger: Previously Rs 120 per kg, now Rs 200 per kg;  garlic: Previously Rs 150 per kg, now Rs 300 per kg; ladyfinger: Previously Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, now Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg; bottle gourd: Previously Rs 20 Rs to 30 per kg, now Rs 50 to Rs 60 per kg; capsicum: Previously Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg, now Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg; brinjal: Rs 10 to Rs 12 per kg, now Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg. Round Gourd: Previously Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg, now Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg.

The ongoing heatwave and intense sunlight have already been causing discomfort among the population, with many turning to juices and other cooling beverages to find relief. However, the sharp increase in vegetable prices is now adding financial strain to households, affecting kitchen budgets significantly.

The impact of this price surge is being felt acutely by both consumers and sellers. Vendors are struggling to keep their produce fresh and in sellable condition, while consumers are finding it increasingly difficult to afford essential vegetables. 

Experts suggest that unless there is a significant change in weather patterns, such as consistent rainfall to cool down temperatures and support crop growth, the situation is unlikely to improve. This prolonged period of high temperatures and inadequate rainfall could lead to even more dramatic increases in vegetable prices in the coming weeks.