Vegetable Prices Soar Across Bengal Ahead of New Year, Middle Class Feels the Heat

By A Staff Reporter

Kolkata: As Bengali New Year approaches, vegetable prices are surging across the state, placing a growing burden on the middle class. Markets from the heart of Kolkata to remote districts are witnessing a steep rise in the prices of essential vegetables, making it increasingly difficult for families to plan festive meals.

The price hike, which began around Eid, has only intensified, with no signs of relief in the coming days. In several markets, dhanash and patal are being sold at ₹70–80 per kg, jhinge at ₹60, beans at ₹80, while anchore and cucumber hover around ₹60 per kg. Even humble canned vegetables are now priced between ₹50–60 per kg.

While the prices of potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and ginger remain relatively stable, leafy greens such as red cabbage, jute leaves (pui shaak), spinach, and coriander have become significantly more expensive.

Vendors attribute the hike to weather conditions. “Due to the sudden spike in temperature, many crops are failing. Fields are drying up, and vegetable plants are withering. The supply from villages has dropped sharply, and transportation costs are adding further pressure,” said a vendor in Gariahat market.

With only a week left before Poila Baishakh, typically a time of high demand for fish, meat, and vegetables, consumers are worried. Traditionally, Bengalis prepare a variety of leafy dishes on the first day of the New Year, but this year, the rising prices may force many to skip that custom.

“If there’s no rain before the New Year, we might be looking at a ‘leafless’ celebration,” quipped a shopper, expressing frustration. “Forget the feast, we may have to make do with the basics.”