Bhubaneswar: The rising cost of living has further tightened household budgets in Odisha as prices of vegetables, edible oil and pulses have surged sharply in recent days after hikes in LPG, petrol and diesel prices.

Vegetable prices in Bhubaneswar’s wholesale and retail markets have jumped by Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kilogram over the past few days. Consumers visiting markets in the city are witnessing sharp price increases across almost all vegetables.

According to market rates on Sunday, brinjal was being sold at Rs 60 per kg, bitter gourd at Rs 60 to Rs 80, carrot at Rs 40 to Rs 60, drumsticks at Rs 80 to Rs 100, tomato at Rs 50 to Rs 60, okra at Rs 40 to Rs 60 and pointed gourd at Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kg. Pumpkin, papaya and cabbage were retailing at around Rs 30 per kg.

The prices of ginger and garlic have also risen sharply, reaching Rs 120 per kg in retail markets. Pulses and edible oils have become costlier as well. Tur dal, which was selling at Rs 120 per kg a week ago, is now priced at Rs 130. Mustard oil and refined oil prices have increased by Rs 10 per litre each and are currently retailing at Rs 190 and Rs 180, respectively.

President of the Capital Vegetable Traders’ Association, Kabiraj Swain, said transportation costs have increased by nearly 10 per cent, which has directly affected vegetable prices. He also warned that prices may rise further once the supply of locally grown vegetables declines in the coming weeks.

Odisha Traders' Association General Secretary Sudhakar Panda said there is little monitoring of maximum retail prices and no effective mechanism to regulate production costs and retail pricing.

Panda further claimed that despite repeated demands, the state government has not taken steps to monitor the pricing of imported edible oils and pulses. He said the traders’ body had proposed the formation of a committee to control prices and suggested holding meetings every two months. However, he expressed disappointment that the proposal has not been considered even after three months.