After potato, onion and garlic bring tears to the eyes of homemakers in Odisha

After potato ruled high for the past few months, onion and garlic are now pinching hard on consumers’ pockets in Odisha with prices surpassing Rs 400/kg. While the onion is already being sold at Rs 55/kg, garlic is priced at Rs 400/kg in Berhampur.

This has come as a shocker for consumers who are already reeling under the steep price rise of potato, vegetables, edible oil, and other daily required grocery items. With the growing rate, consumers are worried the price may reach Rs 500/kg if the demand and supply are not met anytime soon.

The steep price rise has brought tears to the eyes of the homemakers who are worried the prices may skyrocket further in the coming days due to a shortage in supply.

“I have been roaming from one shop to another in the hope that the price might be low somewhere. But, the situation is the same everywhere. Everyone is terming the same high price. I have no other option but to stop eating onion,” a consumer said.

“The wholesale price is now Rs 48/kg and we sell it at Rs 55/kg. A few days back, it was 40/kg and has now increased to Rs 55/kg within a few days. It is expected to skyrocket further tomorrow or anytime soon. Onions are imported from Nashik and delay in supply due to rain is the main reason for the price hike,” said a trader.

“Consumers are panicked and not buying onions and garlic now. Those who would buy in kilos are now buying in grams. Potato price is normal now with Rs 35/kg, but is also expected to rise again,” he added.

“Similarly, garlic was available at Rs 300/kg, but has now risen to Rs 400/kg. All of a sudden there was a rise in Rs 100,” he stated.