From Tomatoes At Rs 72 To Drumsticks At Rs 400: Bengaluru Faces Surge In Vegetable Prices On New Year

People in Bengaluru are feeling the pinch as the cost of essential vegetables, fruits, eggs, and meat skyrockets just in time for New Year, and the upcoming Sankranti festival. Tomatoes and onions have doubled in price in some markets, cabbage and cauliflower are sharply up, and even meat and eggs are costlier due to surging festive demand. Shoppers are now facing the brunt of extreme weather, low local yields, and heavy reliance on supplies from neighboring states.

Tomatoes, onions, cabbage, and cauliflower have seen sharp price increases due to a combination of cold snaps, heatwaves, and low supply. Tomato prices at local markets have jumped to Rs 72 per kg, while onions are now selling at Rs 42 per kg. Drumsticks, which cost Rs 700 per kg last

month, have eased slightly to Rs 400 per kg, providing minor relief to shoppers.

Other vegetables such as bitter gourd, carrots, radish, and beans have also recorded price hikes, with carrots now priced around Rs 64 per kg and French beans at Rs 135 per kg. Peas, imported from Tamil Nadu and other states, remain relatively affordable at Rs 40-50 per kg.

Eggs and chicken have also become costlier due to the festive rush. Retail prices of eggs have climbed to Rs 8 each, while chicken is now selling at Rs 280-300 per kg, as demand surges ahead of the holidays.

Winter has further affected the supply of fruits. Cardamom bananas are now priced between Rs 90-100 per kg, while green bananas are available at Rs 40 per kg. Local vendors warn that prices could rise further as Sankranti approaches, reflecting reduced local yields and reliance on supplies from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Here’s a quick range of current vegetable prices in Bengaluru:

Beans: Rs 48
Brinjal (white): Rs 38
Brinjal (ball): Rs 28
Thick chillies: Rs 66
Bajji chillies: Rs 63
Radish: Rs 30
Drumstick: Rs 400
French beans: Rs 135
Beetroot: Rs 46
Carrot (Ooty): Rs 64
Bitter gourd: Rs 54
Cabbage: Rs 50
Cauliflower: Rs 50
Tomatoes: Rs 72
Onion: Rs 42
Eliachi banana: Rs 80
Green banana: Rs 30

Experts say the price surge is driven by weather-related crop yield drops, increased holiday demand, and transportation from other states. Consumers are advised to plan purchases carefully and make use of wholesale markets where possible to mitigate rising costs.

The festive season is adding extra pressure on Bengaluru households, making budgeting for vegetables, fruits, and protein essentials more challenging than ever.