Rush for vegetables causes price rise in city markets

TNN | Mar 22, 2020, 04.49 AM IST

Anticipating uncertain times, all vegetable markets in the city witnessed a huge turnout of customers on Saturday as they made bulk purchases. The increase in the crowd also saw vegetable prices rising by at least 30%.

Central vegetable market, Paravai market, farmers market at Anna Nagar and Bibikulam, K Pudur market, Thayir market as well as roadside markets on Bypass Road witnessed a sudden throng of men and women. Most of them purchased vegetables to stock up to 15 days instead of their usual one week. “Janata curfew has been called on Sunday. But we do not know what lies ahead and if it all it is a pandemic, how long will it last. What if markets are also shut like parks and large commercial establishments. I have purchased double the quantity of vegetables than my usual weekly quota,” said K Vijayalakshmi from Surya Nagar.

J Velavan from Ponmeni said there is panic among the public because of rumours that markets too will be closed as a preventive measure. With the public transport system also curtailed, the price of vegetables may increase further, he said. “The increased demand for vegetables has resulted in price rise. It is only 9 am, but more than half of the vegetables I purchased today has been sold out. Though it is only a one-day voluntary curfew, panic among the public is quite evident through the way they purchase,” R Selvam, a vegetable seller said.

Prices of all vegetables including onion, tomato, carrot, beans, coconut, brinjal, ladies finger and cabbage have gone up. While already they have witnessed an increase of up to 30%, it may rise further depending on how people react to the situation, he added.

Many residents said they have already purchased essentials required for the next one month from grocery stores and medical stores. It has resulted in the increased crowd in grocery stores, be it at the ones next door or wholesale grocery stores.