The prices of potatoes, tomatoes, and onions, which are regularly used in home cooking, have increased by 15% to 58%. But in this situation, the central government has claimed that the price hike is temporary. The central government has also said that prices will soon come under control, except for potatoes. The last 30 days have seen an increase in the wholesale prices of these three vegetables due to this price increase: potatoes (17.57%), onions (35.36%), and tomatoes (65.70%).
On Wednesday, the average retail price of tomatoes in India was Rs 255.04 per kg. But last year, on July 3, the price of a tomato was Rs 267.57 per kg. In late July and in the first week of August 2023, the price of 1 kg of tomato touched Rs 250 in various parts of India.
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Onion prices are also increasing. The all-India average retail price of a kg of onion on Wednesday was ₹242.46, up 31.09% from last month’s (June) price of ₹32.39. A year ago, on the same date, the price was ₹25.04, and onion prices have increased by 69.57% over that date.
Potato prices have also increased. The average retail price in India was Rs. 34.65, a 15.62% increase over last month. And compared to last year, it has increased to 50.78%.
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But the central government has said that the situation will be brought under control soon due to the rising prices of vegetables. According to The Hindu, the price hike scenario is temporary, and the ministry expects the prices of tomatoes and onions to come down soon (except potatoes). An official of the Directorate of Consumer Affairs told The Hindu on condition of anonymity.
The official explained that the price increase for onions was due to a 40 lakh metric tons fall in production during the previous rabi season. “A good monsoon is anticipated by us. Prices will thus stabilize once the circumstances for planting and sowing become clear. However, prices will increase for the time being,” he said.
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