Prices of veggies substantially increased

30 January 2021 12:00 am Views - 199

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The wholesale and retail prices of several varieties of commonly used vegetables have considerably increased due to low supply of vegetables, economic centres said.  

According to managers at Dambulla, Nuwara Eliya, Pettah and Narahenpita Economic Centres, the substantial decrease in the supply of vegetables had compelled them to increase prices.  


Nuwara Eliya Economic Centre Manager R. M. Bandara said that the prices of most of the vegetables had increased by 100 per cent.  


“There has been a poor supply from farmers in the recent past. The reason for this is quite blurred. The common reason is the bad weather conditions. However, the reason can’t be fully attributed to bad weather because showers are now over,” he said.   


“It is not something new for vegetable prices to go up in the aftermath of torrential rains, Bandara added.  
He said it would take a few weeks for the situation to return to normal.  


It is reported that the number of vehicles carrying vegetables arriving at the Dambulla Economic Centre had declined by 70 per cent resulting in low supply and higher demand and thus the increase in prices.  

 

The prices (1kg) of vegetables at the Dambulla Economic Centre were as follows, 
Beans Rs. 220  
Carrot Rs. 230  
Capsicum - Rs. 450  
Green Chilli Rs. 800  
Snake Gourd - Rs. 180  
Pumpkin - Rs. 180  
Brinjal - Rs. 280