The prices of onion — sold at Rs5 per kg in the wholesale market of the national Capital — made Delhiites happy. But their happiness was short-lived due to phenomenal rise in prices of pulses and cereals. Soaring prices have added to the homemaker’s woes. Industry experts attributed the price rise to corporate houses engaged in the sale of pulses and cereals in malls.
A visit to country’s largest wholesale grain market Khari Baoli has revealed that the prices of pulses and cereals have soared.
While arhar dal is priced around Rs147 per kg, urad dal is priced at Rs165 with a hike of Rs5 in the last week. According to wholesale sellers, it is due to the shortage in supply of items. Some termed the rise as a regular phenomenon, however, others said prices are likely to touch Rs200 by next month.
The wholesale price of moong dal is Rs98 per kg and its retail price is around Rs110. Chana dal, on the other hand, costs Rs67 in wholesale markets and around Rs90 in retail. The price of arhar dal is Rs147 and Rs167 in retail. The prices have touched skies in the span of last one week, said buyers.
A wholesale trader told The Pioneer that owing to the sale of pulses and cereals in the malls, the prices have gone up and may even go higher as the cartel of big corporate controls the pricing of such items sold through malls and high-end stores.
“Our budget has been affected as the pulse prices have gone up once again. Moreover, the pulses available in malls are not even of good quantity,” said Ramakant Sharma.
The wholesale prices of urad dal have gone up by Rs5 by taking the prices to Rs165. “The prices of urad have gone up by Rs5 and it has been so since the past one week. There is a shortage in the supply of material lately and therefore the prices of pulses have gone up. The retail prices are about Rs180,” said Vinod, a wholesaler pulse seller at Telu Ram Dals in Naya Bazar.
A few claimed that hoarding of stocks is the biggest reason for hike in rates. Also, the supply of pulses will reach a high only during the monsoon, said a wholesale shop owner.
According to some shopkeepers, if similar situation exists the pulse prices are likely to go up to Rs200. While Madhya Pradesh is one of the exporters, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh are one of highest suppliers of the pulses. “The pulse prices keep shooting up of and on. As the supply increases, the price will come down. But if the situation continues, the price shall go up to Rs200 per Kg too. It is very much possible,” said Rajendra, another shopkeer at Naya Bazar near Chandni Chowk.
“We have in the past seen the prices of pulse going up. Our food budget has gone for a toss as the pulse prices have been growing off and on. If the prices go beyond this, it will be difficult for people to manage their culinary expenses,” said Shraddha.