Potato is one of the essential vegetables that is consumed on everyday basis. But, of late, its price has soared in retail market, when surprisingly, they had gone down in the wholesale market long back.
At present, potato is sold at Rs30 per kilo in the retail market, Rs10 more than the average price. The price shot up following poor rainfall and short supply of the commodity in the wholesale market. But, according to a trader from wholesale market, price of the vegetable crashed down long ago.
Vashi's APMC market receives potatoes mostly from the northern states, where this year the rainfall has been scanty. "Since the supply was not adequate, price of potato shot up around two months ago. Now, the supply has become normal in the wholesale market, but that's not been the case in retail market, so the high price," said a trader from APMC market.
Currently, the APMC is receiving around 80 potato-laden trucks, which is a normal supply. In September, West Bengal government restricted supplies of potato to other states to curb price rise within the state. "The poor supply from other states also pushed the price of essential commodity," said a trader.
The high margin between retail and wholesale price of potato is affecting household budget. Potato is available for Rs13- Rs14 per kilo in wholesale market, while it is sold for Rs30 to Rs32 per kilo in the retail market.
"The five to seven rupee difference between the two market is acceptable, but difference of Rs 10 is quite high," said a market analyst. "We can do away with green vegetables for a couple of days, but that's not the case with potatoes," said Rohini Bhagav, a homemaker from Koparkhairane. She adds that wholesalers and retailers have made a cartel to ensure high price of potato.
Ashok Walunj, director (onions and potatoes) of APMC, however, justifies the high margin."With high labour and transportation costs, the Rs20 a kilo potato becomes costlier by Rs5 a kg. Considering the high cost of infrastructure and margins, retailers cannot sell below Rs30 per kilo. So, the Rs8-10 a kilo difference is normal."
He added that with the arrival of new crops of potato, prices are likely to come down. However, potatoes' fresh crop has already arrived in the retail market, but still there is no respite from soaring price. "New crop has arrived from Maharashtra, while major suppliers are northern states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh," said Walunj.
A few traders at APMC blame retailers for high price. "Consumers should raise their voice against monopoly of retailers as the wholesalers have to bear the brunt of the common people in such situations," said the trader. He added that nobody blames retailers for price rise and they have to face the brunt.
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