GUWAHATI: Residents in Guwahati are caught unnerved as the price of garlic skyrocketed in the last few days. All of them are questioning the reason for the sudden hike in the price of garlic.
Over the years, commodities have seen a steep rise in prices of vegetables and spices. Often the price increase is not capped down to the previous rates for a significant amount of time. The unregulated condition of the retail market is the main cause of the price rise.
While speaking to GPlus, a resident of Jyotikuchi said, "The difference in rate is unbelievable. I don't remember buying garlic for ₹80 for 250gm. If this continues it is better to refrain from using it as an ingredient."
When GPlus approached a vendor to inquire about the rates in Ganeshguri, he said, "We are buying it for ₹280 to ₹300 in wholesale rates. Whatever profit we can make after transportation is the rate we fix. At the end of the day, we need to run our families too."
Earlier, the sudden surge in onion prices posed a financial burden on the marginalised section of society.
Due to the decrease in production within the state, there was a fluctuation in the rates. Moreover, imported consignments that were stocked were monopolised when a shortage in quantity emerged.
Similarly, the monsoon season affected the prices of various vegetables in the markets of Guwahati. With a standardised price set in wholesale markets, the rates set in the retail market were a sting in the pockets.
While speaking to GPlus, an official from the Pamohi Fruits and Vegetables market said, "The major reason for the rise in prices is that garlic is not produced in this season. Due to the low supply, the imported produce is being sold at higher rates. We bring in the consignment from places like Nasik, Bangalore, Bihar, West Bengal and Kolkata."
"Another reason for the fluctuations in rate is the discontinuation of the purchase of Burma and Chinese garlic. They are bigger and are cheaper than the ones bought from other states. Due to some official matters, the purchase is kept on hold. But, soon it will be taken care of," added the official.
The official further added that the previous wholesale price of garlic ranged from ₹180 to ₹200 per kg and the present rate is fixed to ₹240 per kg in the Pamohi market.
The rates cannot be altered by any vendor in the market as strict rules are followed by the market. However, when the same product reaches the retail markets, there seems to be a drastic change.
It is to be mentioned that the rates might decrease in the next two weeks but it won't be less than ₹180 per kg.
As for local produce, very small quantities are circulated in the market. These products are brought in from the backyard of individuals residing in the outskirts. The comparison of their rates is next to impossible as it is for their consumption and the surplus is their profit.
While the surge in rates continues to hamper the consumption of garlic in the city, the residents of Guwahati are seeking a revised rate and waiting for the authorities to act accordingly.