Vegetable prices in the retail markets in Delhi have shot up drastically following the rumour regarding closer of wholesale markets in the national Capital from Thursday.
In most retail shops across parts of the city, the price of vegetables witnessed an increase of at least 50 to even 100 per cent. Cauliflower is being sold at Rs 60 per kilo by Thursday, against the usual rate of around Rs 25-30 per kilo. Tomatoes are being sold at 40 compare to 20- 30 per kg a day before, while Cabbage are sold at 30 per kg.
The price of bell pepper also shot up to 40 per kg while it was earlier sold at 20- 30 per kg. The prices of tomato, potato and carrots also witnessed a steep increase in the prices.
Ramveer Singh, a retail shop owner at Mukherjee Nagar said the rates of vegetables are increased following the closer of vegetable madis. However, trade associations turned down all the reports of markets being closed due to cronavirus.
“All the wholesale markets including the Azadpur one are open and all precautionary measures are being taken to stop contamination from cronavirus. Don’t be scared and avoid rumours. Be alert and safe. We all have to stop this virus from further spreading,” Adil Ahmad Khan Chairman of Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) tweeted.
The prices of vegetables were witnessed rise in many areas of north Delhi including Nirankari Colony, Model Town, Outram Lane among others. “I stored essential glossary items including vegetables fearing unprecedented situation in coming days. I saw messages being circulated on social media and stock my kitchen with all the essential items that was being sold on higher prices compared to earlier,” said Rakesh Mohanti, an IAS aspirant who lives in Outram Lane.
The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) secretary general Praveen Khandelwal also had said that so far no trade association has taken any decision to close the markets in the wake of corona virus.