Kolkata: On the eve of Lakshmi Puja , the retail markets in the city saw a sharp rise in fruit and vegetable prices, forcing several households to cut down their purchases even as they prepared for one of the season’s most important rituals.
Fruits, which are one of the important edibles in the puja offering, got costlier than last year.
Apples were sold for Rs 150-Rs 300 per kg, depending on their quality. The price for quality pomegranates touched Rs 400 per kg-mark. Pomelos were being sold for Rs 70 to Rs 80 each. Red grapes were priced around Rs 400 a kg, while black grapes were priced at Rs 600 a kg at several stalls.
Shoppers at Lake Market, Gariahat and other neighbourhood markets said they were spending more money but carrying less items home. Consumers said they curtailed the purchase quantity, opted for items of cheaper grades or limited their purchases to puja essentials only. The prices of vegetables, used in festive culinary preparations, also breached the range that is considered budget-friendly by middle-class consumers.
Traders expect the inflation to ease out after Bhai Phonta , when demand for fruits and vegetables may drop and labourers return to work. Until then, many households are balancing tradition with restraint.