- विज्ञापन -
Kolkata: Consumers in West Bengal are still facing high prices for essential vegetables in retail markets. The steep rise in potato prices, a staple in Bengali cuisine, is hitting households hard.
Currently, the “Jyoti” variety of potato is priced between Rs 36 and Rs 38 per kilogram, while the more sought-after “Chandramukhi” variety is selling for Rs 40 per kilogram, with some markets lacking this variety altogether. Although there were hopes that prices would drop with the arrival of winter, they continue to climb.
A member of the state government task force, tasked with monitoring essential commodity prices, explained that the ongoing high prices of potatoes are due to delayed winter produce caused by prolonged rainfall and flooding, which has driven up wholesale prices. Additionally, hoarding by some vegetable traders is also exacerbating the situation.
Alongside potatoes, prices for other vegetables remain elevated. Green peas, a winter favorite among Bengalis, are selling for Rs 120 per kilogram. Middle-class consumers are particularly frustrated by the soaring costs of common cooking ingredients, with garlic priced at around Rs 450 per kilogram, onions between Rs 60 and Rs 80, and ginger around Rs 100 per kilogram.
