In the Indian state of Odisha, vegetable prices have exploded in the past two months. While consumers wait for inflation to ease, the price increase seems far from over.
In September the potatoes were sold for Rs15-20 (€ 0.17-0.22) per kilo. Currently, the potatoes are going over the counter for Rs45-50 (€ 0.51-0.56), a price increase of about 150%.
Onions currently cost Rs 30-35 (€ 0.34-0.39) per kilo, a price increase of 50%. Other vegetables such as okras and eggplants have also gone up in price similarly.
Experts say this inflation is normal during the month of the Kartik festival and that inflation will decrease in the first week of December. However, due to heavy dependence on other Indian states, vegetable prices are still high and November is nearing its end. This would therefore have consequences for the small traders.
While traders cite the annual rains in Odisha and other states as the main reason for the price increase, Covid-19 and the poor oversight of price controls by the authorities are also responsible for the continued rise in vegetable prices.
