However, prices dropped by only Rs 2-25 per kg in the retail market. It means consumers had to pay higher prices in the retail market compared to the wholesale market.[break]
Vegetable retailers attributed the huge differences in wholesale and retail prices to the general shutdown called by the political parties on Sunday.
Generally, retail prices of vegetables in the capital are 40 percent higher than the wholesale price. But a snap survey carried out by Republica on Sunday showed that vegetable prices in the retail market were 60 percent higher than the wholesale market.
Small tomatoes, which the wholesalers supplied at Rs 20 per kg, were selling at Rs 35 per kg in the retail market ton Sunday. Similarly, consumers were forced to pay Rs 150 per kg for a kilogram of cow peas which cost Rs 70 per kg in the wholesale market.
Similarly, cabbage, cauliflower and pumpkin, which were available in the wholesale market at Rs 8, Rs 22 and Rs 28 per kg, respectively cost consumers Rs 15, Rs 25 and Rs 40 per kg in the retail market.
Wholesale prices of green chili, bitter gourd and capsicum were fixed at Rs 40, Rs 55 and Rs 100 per kg, respectively on Sunday. They were priced Rs 100, Rs 150 and Rs 150 per kg, respectively in the retail market. Likewise, French bean, brinjal and cucumber, which were available at Rs 32, Rs 22 and Rs 35 per kg, respectively in the wholesale market, cost Rs 45, Rs 40 and Rs 70 per kg in the retail markets.
“It is true that the customers are compelled to pay much higher than the price fixed by Kalimati Fruits and Vegetables Market Board. The price difference in wholesale and retail markets is mainly because vegetables are highly perishable and involves high risk in handling and transportation,” said Bharat Khatiwada, president of Kalimati Vegetable Market Traders Association. “But as there is no regulatory body to monitor the price difference, consumers have to pay much more than the actual retail price. And the price goes even higher during bandas and strikes.”
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