Reflecting the impact of summer season on vegetables, its supply in the wholesale market has dwindled in the last 10-15 days. The arrival of vegetables from nearby villages as well as from other States has dipped by almost 50 per cent.

On the other hand, the ongoing marriage and festive season has pushed up the demand for vegetables.

The arrival of green vegetables in the local markets especially coriander, methi, green chilies and other varieties has gone down eventually pushing up prices.

Methi price recorded the highest jump during the period as its price jumped from Rs 30 -40 per kg in the wholesale about 15 days back to a level of Rs 60 per kg on Monday.

Coriander price has also witnessed a jump from Rs 40-50 per kg to Rs 50-60 per kg during the same period. Brinjal and lady finger prices have also gone up due to its short supply. Brinjal were sold at a price of Rs 15 per kg in the wholesale market about 15 days back. But on Monday, it was available at a price of Rs 20 per kg.

Ram Mahajan, one of the leading vegetable dealers based in Phule Market and office-bearer of the dealers’ association, said prices of vegetables are flying high. “It is very common to see that the arrival of vegetables dips in April -May. Today we have less number of farmers in the Vidarbha region who are supplying vegetables in the markets. And thus we are going to see price rise. It is very normal in summer when the availability of green vegetables is affected. The situation will become further worrisome in May end,” he said. Mahajan further said that suppliers from Western part of the State and some farmers in other adjoining States are fulfilling the local demand.

The marriage season is at the peak and many bulk buyers are visiting the markets every day. “However, the price rise at this point in time is not a new thing,” he said.

Another seller said that short supply and increasing fuel prices are affecting the vegetable prices. “The transportation cost of vegetables has increased significantly in recent times. It has also affected the supply of vegetables from villages in Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Predesh.