Bella JaisinghaniMumbai: With petrol price in Mumbai at Rs 107.59 per litre and diesel at Rs 94.08 following the latest rate increase on Tuesday, the cumulative fuel hike over the past four days amounts to Rs 4 per litre. As fuel costs influence transportation and essential goods, the increases are beginning to affect household budgets and inflation in the city.
Transporters increase freight
Transporters have raised freight charges by 3%, which is expected to push up costs of essentials, fruits, and vegetables. Mumbaikars interviewed by TOI reported that the impact is already being felt.
Rising edible oil and vegetable prices
A discounted can of 4.25 kg edible oil that cost Rs 750 at D'Mart in February has risen by Rs 200 to Rs 939 since the West Asia war began. Common garden vegetables now cost Rs 100-120 per kg, while french beans and green peas are priced at Rs 200-220 per kg. Pulses range from Rs 180 to Rs 250 per kg, and sugar has increased to Rs 50-52 per kg from Rs 40-42 a year ago, according to a housewife from Versova.
Dal prices soar
The cheapest dal, chana dal, sold for Rs 110-120 per kg in the city on Tuesday. Masoor dal was Rs 150, moong dal Rs 180, tuvar dal Rs 190, whole moong Rs 220, and urad dal Rs 220 per kg. Unpolished and branded versions were marginally costlier.
Spices costlier than dry fruits
Certain spices are now more expensive than dried fruits and nuts. Chiman Bhanushali of Hari Om Traders in APMC Vashi noted that green cardamom is priced between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,600 per kg. A Khar trader added, Cloves are at Rs 1,500-2,000 per kg and black pepper at Rs 1,200-1,600. Almonds and cashew nuts cost less than these spices. Vishal Gala of Vagad International in APMC reported that dried red chillies have recently risen from Rs 250 to Rs 350 per kg.
Egg prices remain high despite low demand
Despite the summer heat when demand is typically low and prices tend to fall, eggs were selling for Rs 80 per dozen at House of Eggs in Mahim and Rs 90 at Breadkraft in Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri. Altaf Ahmed Khan of Ahmed Eggs Merchant explained that home delivery drives up prices. The wholesale rate is Rs 590 per 100 eggs, but consumption is low, he said.
Meat becomes a luxury
Suman Das, a homemaker in Kalbadevi, remarked, Eggs, a staple breakfast item, are expensive. Not too long ago, meat was a weekly treat. Now mutton at Rs 850-900 per kg and chicken at Rs 280-300 makes one think twice.
