BHUBANESWAR: The rising cost of fuel and cooking gas is putting additional pressure on household budgets across Odisha, with transportation expenses increasing by nearly 10 percent and triggering a sharp rise in the prices of vegetables and other essential kitchen commodities.
Traders said recent increases in petrol, diesel and LPG prices have significantly raised transportation costs, leading to higher retail prices in markets across the state, particularly in Bhubaneswar.
Prices of commonly consumed vegetables such as tomatoes, brinjals and okra have reportedly increased by ₹5 to ₹10 per kilogram in recent weeks. Drumsticks have touched ₹100 per kg in several markets, while staple ingredients such as ginger and garlic are being sold at around ₹120 per kg.
The price rise has also affected essential grocery items. Tur dal is retailing at nearly ₹130 per kg, while mustard oil prices have climbed to around ₹190 per litre, adding to the burden on consumers already grappling with higher living costs.
Market traders have warned that prices could rise further in the coming weeks if local vegetable supplies decline. They have also expressed concern over the absence of effective price-monitoring measures and called for government intervention to help stabilise prices and protect consumers from further inflationary pressure.
The increase in food prices comes at a time when households are already facing higher expenditure on transportation, cooking fuel and other daily necessities, raising concerns over the overall cost of living in the state.
