Bhubaneswar: Prices of essential commodities may rise further in the coming days, raising concerns for middle-class and lower middle-class households already struggling with inflationary pressure.
According to traders’ associations, the prices of daily-use items such as potatoes, sugar, edible oil, and pulses could increase by up to ₹10 per kilogram due to rising supply and transportation costs.
The warning has triggered concerns among consumers as food inflation continues to affect household budgets across several states.
Traders said fluctuations in wholesale markets, increased transportation expenses, storage costs, and irregular supply conditions are contributing to the expected price rise in essential commodities.
Items such as potatoes, sugar, cooking oil, and pulses form a major part of everyday household consumption, and any significant increase in their prices is likely to directly impact middle-income and economically weaker families.
Business associations have indicated that if market conditions remain unchanged, retail prices could witness a fresh upward revision in the coming weeks.
Consumers and market observers are now expecting the government to monitor the situation closely and take necessary steps to stabilise prices and maintain adequate supply of essential food items.
