Mangaluru: Festive shopping is likely to pinch pockets harder this year, with rising prices of vegetables, fruits and other essentials pushing up household expenses across Mangaluru, traders said.
The Rs 2,000 assistance provided under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme has given beneficiaries some additional spending power. Cooking oil- Rs 150–160 litre
Mohammed Rafeek, secretary of the Global Market Traders Union, said the impact of rising prices was being felt even before the festive season, with daily-use commodities already straining household budgets. With prices already high, the increase in demand during the festive season will put further pressure on them,” he said. Abdul Rahiman Kodijal, general secretary of the Mangalore Merchants’ Association, said the price rise had made festival celebrations particularly difficult for middle-class families.
“People prepare a variety of dishes during festivals and require vegetables and fruits in larger quantities. The festive season could prove difficult for consumers as purchasing power remains weak. However, rising petrol and diesel prices are also driving up the cost of essential commodities. I urge the Union government to take steps to provide relief to consumers. Ivan D’Souza, MLC The rise in prices was putting pressure on households ahead of the Monthi Fest. The cost of almost everything is increasing, making it particularly difficult for middle-class families to manage their expenses. People should revive the traditional practice of growing vegetables in small home gardens to reduce their dependence on the market. Home-grown produce is also healthier.