Kochi: Residents of Kerala are feeling the pinch as vegetable prices skyrocket across the State. Items like green chillies, tomatoes, snake gourd, beans, broad beans and cauliflower are witnessing a notable surge in prices, with an increase of Rs 10-50 within a week.

Of all the veggies, green chillies and tomatoes, crucial ingredients in most dishes, are witnessing the steepest rise in prices. In Ernakulam, green chillies (long) are being sold at Rs 140-150 per kg, with some areas seeing even higher prices. Round chillies are priced between Rs 145-155. Tomatoes are now priced at between Rs 80 and 100 per kg, marking a Rs 40 increase in just a week. Some supermarkets and hypermarkets are reportedly selling at even higher prices. Meanwhile, ginger remains steeply priced at Rs 200 per kg, with beans not far behind at Rs 180 per kg. Minor increases have also been noted in the prices of potatoes, onions, and brinjal.

The surge in prices is attributed to low availability of vegetables and the reduced production in neighbouring States like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, which are the primary sources of vegetables for Kerala. The harsh summer weather has led to crop damage, while early rains have thwarted production even more.

Traders warn that if the current market conditions persist, a considerable hike in vegetable prices is certain. However, the prices of carrots, beetroot and plantains have seen a slight decrease recently.