AHMEDABAD: The humble garlic bulb has become a luxury item in the kitchens with retail prices reaching Rs 500 per kg, more than triple the usual winter rate of Rs 150 per kg and double the rate of processed garlic paste. Onion prices have also climbed significantly, selling for Rs 100 per kg in areas like Satellite and Rs 80 in Maninagar. App-based markets were selling onions at Rs 75 per kg while garlic was being sold at Rs 460-475 per kg.
Traders attribute the price surge to delayed harvests caused by adverse weather conditions. “The prices of garlic, onion, tomato and potato have skyrocketed this year, costing almost double that of last year. While wholesale garlic prices range from Rs 150-320 per kg, retailers are selling at markedly higher rates, often after mixing different qualities of produce,” a trader said.
Local dealers note that while wholesale prices have begun to decrease slightly, retailers continue to maintain high margins. “Authorities must ensure stronger market controls to protect consumers,” a trader said.
Sanjay Patel, secretary of agriculture produce market committee (APMC), said that the delay in the arrival of garlic and onions has led to high prices this year. “We expect this to stabilize by the end of the month. However, the prices of green vegetables will likely come down in the next 10 days.”
“The farmers delayed sowing until after Diwali due to unseasonal rains during the Navratri season,” explains Kishorekumar Paryani, a trader at APMC Ahmedabad. “Fresh arrivals are expected by early Jan, which should help stabilize prices.”
Ahmed Patel, a dealer at APMC Jamalpur, said, “Fresh arrivals have begun, and the prices dropped by Rs 10 last week, but the retailers continue to charge high prices.”
Last year, the price of garlic in the wholesale market was around Rs 100-250, which is now Rs 150-350, while the same for onions was Rs 20-45, but this year, it is Rs 45-70.
The price surge has forced consumers to adapt. “I have switched to using garlic paste instead of fresh garlic in curries,” says Richa Patel, a Memnagar resident. “Even typically affordable vegetables like cauliflower are selling at Rs 40 for 400 grams.”