Bhubaneswar: Prices of vegetables and essential grocery items have risen sharply across Odisha in recent days. Sugar has recorded one of the steepest increases, with its retail price rising from around Rs 55 per kg two weeks ago to Rs 65 per kg now.

Traders said the rise in sugar prices is linked partly to the diversion of sugarcane for ethanol production. Odisha mainly receives sugar supplies from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, with Karnataka being a major source.

According to the Odisha Byabasayi Mahasangha Secretary Sudhakar Panda, the wholesale price of sugar was around Rs 4,100 per quintal about one-and-a-half months ago. It has now increased to around Rs 6,100 per quintal. He said sugar prices have been rising continuously for the past few months.

Vegetable prices have also increased significantly. Onion, which was selling at around Rs 40 per kg, has now reached Rs 50. Tomato is being sold at around Rs 80 per kg.

Other vegetables have also become costlier. Cabbage is priced at Rs 30 per kg, carrot at Rs 50, Kolkata pointed gourd at Rs 50, bitter gourd at Rs 50-60 and brinjal at Rs 50-60. Ridge gourd is selling at around Rs 80 per kg, while spine gourd and ginger have reached Rs 200 per kg. Garlic is being sold at around Rs 240 per kg.

Papaya has increased from Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, while potato has risen from Rs 20 to Rs 22. Beans brought from outside Odisha are selling at around Rs 160 per kg, while Koraput beans are priced at Rs 80-100 per kg.

Cooking oil prices have also gone up. Refined edible oil is being sold at around Rs 180 per litre, while mustard oil costs between Rs 200 and Rs 220 per litre. Traders said oil and sugar prices have increased by around Rs 10 per kg or litre within a week. Cumin prices have also risen by nearly Rs 20 to around Rs 290 per kg.

Kabiraj Swain, president of the Pariba Byabasayi Sangha at Unit-I market in Bhubaneswar, said rainfall in Nashik has disrupted onion supplies, leading to the increase in prices. He said onion prices could rise further in the coming days.

He also attributed the rise in prices of other vegetables to rainfall and supply-related problems.

The sharp increase in prices of basic food items has added to the financial burden on consumers, with households now having to spend more on cooking essentials.