20 per cent increase in prices of veggies anticipated at Koyambedu

“We get a lot of stock from Telangana, which is currently receiving heavy rainfall. The rain in the State is also going to affect vegetables like carrots, which we get from Ooty. There will be a 20 per cent increase in costs for a week, and we can expect more in the weeks to follow,” said P Sukumaran, treasurer, Koyambedu Market Merchant’s Association.

Onion prices are expected to rise to Rs 80 from Rs 60 per kg this week. Carrots and ginger are expected to hit Rs 100 and even tomatoes and beans are expected to increase to Rs 50 per kg. Other vegetables and fruits are also expected to see an increase in costs between 20 to 30 per cent of their current cost.

This increase in prices is also expected to cause a dip in business at Koyambedu, said vendors.

Others hope that the market will become more accessible during this season amid strict guidelines. “We hope that more parts of the market, like the old tomato market and one part of the provision market, will be opened. It will also ensure less chance of crowding if things are further spread apart,” said a vendor.

Social distancing, sanitisation and temperature checks are continuing at the market, according to vendors.