Mangaluru: Festive shopping is likely to pinch pockets harder this year, with rising prices of vegetables, fruits and other essentials pushing up household expenses across Mangaluru, traders said.Mohammed Rafeek, secretary of the Global Market Traders Union, said the impact of rising prices was being felt even before the festive season, with daily-use commodities already straining household budgets.“People prepare a variety of dishes during festivals and require vegetables and fruits in larger quantities. With prices already high, the increase in demand during the festive season will put further pressure on them,” he said.A vegetable dealer said rising transportation costs had pushed up prices, with onions witnessing a sharper increase than several other vegetables.Mohammed Iqbal, a merchant, said customers were regularly complaining about the rise in prices. “Every time a customer comes, they ask, ‘Haven’t the prices gone up again?'” he said.Abdul Rahiman Kodijal, general secretary of the Mangalore Merchants’ Association, said the price rise had made festival celebrations particularly difficult for middle-class families.“Celebrating festivals has become very expensive. People are not in a position to celebrate with happiness. Market prices have risen almost threefold,” he said.He said rising prices and unemployment were making it difficult for people to meet their daily expenses. “The govt should create more jobs to improve people’s purchasing power and help them lead a better life,” he added.QUOTESThe festive season could prove difficult for consumers as purchasing power remains weak. The Rs 2,000 assistance provided under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme has given beneficiaries some additional spending power. However, rising petrol and diesel prices are also driving up the cost of essential commodities. I urge the Union government to take steps to provide relief to consumers. Ivan D’Souza, MLCLower farm production and erratic rainfall could be contributing to the rise in vegetable prices. Shortages inevitably drive up prices, so the govt should support farmers and take precautionary measures to ensure adequate supplies. Janmashtami passed without disruption, and I hope the upcoming festivals do as well.Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas KamathThe rise in prices was putting pressure on households ahead of the Monthi Fest. The cost of almost everything is increasing, making it particularly difficult for middle-class families to manage their expenses. People should revive the traditional practice of growing vegetables in small home gardens to reduce their dependence on the market. Home-grown produce is also healthier.Vilma D’Souza, Maroli residentBox-2Commodity pricesDal – Rs 160 kgSugar- Rs 70–80 kgJaggery- Rs 65–75 kgBasic rice- Rs 55–60 kgCooking oil- Rs 150–160 litreChilli- Rs 350–600 kgPremium rice- Rs 100–250 kgSource: Mangalore Merchants AsssociationVegetable pricesTomato – Rs 30/kgGreen chilli – Rs 65/kgBrinjal – Rs 50/kgRidge gourd – Rs 75/kgCauliflower – Rs 65/kgCabbage – Rs 38/kgCurry cucumber – Rs 30/kgIvy gourd – Rs 50/kgLadies’ finger – Rs 55/kgBottle gourd – Rs 50/kgPotato – Rs 38/kgGarlic – Rs 250/kgOnion – Rs 70/kgCoconut – Rs 80/kg—Fruit PricesBanana (Yelakki)- Rs 125 / KgBanana (Cavendish)- Rs 50 / KgNendra Banana-Rs 90/ KgApple (himachal)- Rs 260/ KgApple (gala)- Rs 300/ KgOrange- Rs 200/ KgPomegranate: Rs 220/ KgSource: Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Hopcoms, (as on Sept 7)
