THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Vegetable prices are also on the rise following the rise in fuel prices. The price of small onions (shallots), which was Rs 85 per kg two days ago, was Rs 130 yesterday! Up to 150 should be given in the retail market. Onion, which was Rs 40 four days ago, has gone up to Rs 55-60 in the retail market. Prices of tomatoes, bitter gourd and plantains also went up. Inflation is higher for vegetables imported from other states. According to traders, rising fuel prices are pushing up prices of rice and other groceries.

Intermediaries attributed the rise in onion prices even during the season to the farmers' strike in northern India and rising fuel prices. Even though commodity owners are demanding higher wages in the wake of rising fuel prices, trade unions haven't agreed to their demand. If freight rates increase, prices will rise further. Traders say the government should take immediate action to address inflation.

Price Comparison

(Wholesale price in Chala market)

Item --------- Now ------ One month ago

Small Onion ------ 130 ----------------- 60

Onion ------------- 52 ------------------ 40

Lady's finger----------- 70 ------------------ 14

Drumstick-------- 140 ----------------- 70

Beatroot ----------- 40 ------------------ 17

Tomatoes ----------- 40 ------------------ 18

Brinjal ------- 30 ---------------- -18

Snake gourd ----------- 40 ------------------- 20

Bitter gourd------------- 51 -------------------- 22

Garlic ----- 140 ------------------- 100