TV
As the threat of Cyclone Dana looms, there has been a noticeable surge in the prices of essential vegetables in the market. Potato, which was being sold at Rs 30 a kilo till yesterday, is currently priced at Rs 50 per kilo while onions have reached Rs 70.
The onset of the Kartika month had already pushed prices higher, but the anticipated cyclone has exacerbated the situation. Despite the availability of potatoes, they are being sold at steep prices, with 3 kilograms costing Rs 150. On Monday, potatoes were priced at Rs 30 per kilo, but the price has now risen to Rs 50.
Locals are in disbelief and stressed over the sudden hike in vegetable prices. At Cuttack's Chhatra Bazaar, residents are purchasing more potatoes and onions than needed, leading to hoarding. The price of rotten onions has also seen a jump, from Rs 40 on Monday to Rs 60 today.
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One buyer shared, “I am buying 3 kg of potatoes for Rs 140. The rate for 3 kg was Rs 100 on Monday. Vendors told us that potato-laden trucks are scarce, hence the price increased. If the cyclone hits Odisha and we can’t get potatoes after that, it would be troublesome, so I’m buying 3 kg more.”
Another buyer said, “No, I am not buying potatoes; the prices are unreasonable. I can buy them later and urge people to purchase according to their needs, as this is a probable cyclone, it might not cause too much damage. So, we can buy vegetables at a reasonable price after a week or so.”
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"We are buying potatoes from godowns for Rs 1800 a sack and selling accordingly. The godowns are raising prices, claiming that potato-laden trucks have not arrived, despite any actual issues regarding truck deliveries to the market," said a vegetable vendor.
