The escalating costs of foodstuffs, especially vegetables, potatoes, and onions, have become a significant issue for the state of Tripura’s middle-class and impoverished over the last six months. Since the terrible flood in August and the intense, unusual rains, the issue has gotten worse. No vegetable on the market costs less than Rs 100.00 per kilogram. Prices for vegetables continue to rise even when winter arrives.
However, consumers are increasingly being hurt by the rising costs of potatoes and onions, which are necessities in middle-class and lower-class homes. Even a week ago, onions would have cost between Rs 50 and Rs 60 per kg, but today they sell for between Rs 80 and Rs 90 per kg in all of the state’s markets. In a similar vein, potatoes that once sold for Rs 25–30 kg per week are now selling for Rs 40–50 kg. When questioned about the price increase, the merchants say that the cost of goods at the source has increased due to supply restrictions.
Although knowledgeable sources indicated that market manipulation by wholesalers and retailers might also be to blame, the food department authorities were unable to pinpoint a single cause for the price increase. This occurred as a result of unreported supply and transportation problems. To find out why the prices of potatoes and onions are rising, the food department will conduct an investigation and raid marketplaces and godowns, according to sources.
