As major festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Teej, and Vishwakarma Puja approach, the prices of fruits and vegetables are seeing a sharp rise, impacting household budgets. In Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, the cost of apples and bananas has surged by 20% in just one week. Traders attribute this increase to the growing demand for fruits during the festive season, warning that prices may climb even higher in the coming days.
According to reports, the widening gap between supply and demand is a major factor driving up prices. Additionally, heavy rainfall and adverse weather conditions have further contributed to the inflation. The supply of fruits and vegetables in Ranchi's Jagannathpur markets has been disrupted, as trucks from other states are arriving late, leading to a shortage in retail markets. This has exacerbated the situation, with prices likely to rise further in the near future.
Several markets in Ranchi have witnessed a 20% increase in the prices of fruits like apples, bananas, and mangoes. While a rise in fruit prices is common during the festive season, this year, meeting the high demand has become particularly challenging. Supply chain issues and the increased demand due to upcoming festivals are pushing retail prices higher.
The rising costs have led customers to reduce their purchases. Local residents have expressed concern over the unexpectedly high prices, making it difficult to buy fruits for the upcoming festivals. To cope with the inflation, some suggest buying fruits and vegetables in bulk from wholesale markets, where prices tend to be lower than in retail markets.
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