Bhubaneswar, Oct 22: In anticipation of an impending cyclone, the local market here witnessed a significant rush this morning as customers hurried to stock up on essential items. The surge in demand has prompted shopkeepers to hike their prices. Currently, tomatoes are being sold for Rs 60-70 per kg, brinjals at Rs 50-70, pointed gourd at Rs 50, and chillies at Rs 100 per kg.
Potatoes, onions, and garlic are in particularly high demand, with many customers purchasing 3-4 kg of these staples at a time. In Bhubaneswar’s Unit-1 Haat, similar price increases are evident, with potatoes rising from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg and onions climbing to Rs 70 due to limited supply.
Despite government warnings against hoarding and black marketing, the anxiety surrounding potential shortages has led many shoppers to buy more than they need, putting additional strain on the supply chain. Vendors expressed concern over the situation, noting that while they want to meet customer needs, the rapid price increases may further exacerbate the panic.
One vendor remarked, “We’re trying to keep up with the demand, but the price hikes are necessary to manage supply. It’s a challenging situation for everyone.” Meanwhile, a concerned customer stated, “I never thought I’d have to buy so much at once, but we need to be prepared just in case.
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