Why have garlic prices doubled to Rs 400/kg in recent days?
Following the uproar caused by the spike in onion prices, the cost of garlic has similarly surged, primarily attributed to diminishing supplies
Garlic Price Surge: The sudden surge in garlic prices, much like the recent onion inflation, has rattled consumers across the country. Garlic, a staple spice in Indian households, has witnessed an alarming price hike, almost doubling in just a matter of days. The cost of garlic has soared to an astounding Rs 400 per kilogram in certain regions, primarily due to a sharp decline in its availability.
This essential spice, widely used in culinary practices across India, has seen an unprecedented escalation in prices, reaching a staggering range of Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram in local markets. Forecasts indicate that this upward trend in prices might persist until the year-end, causing concern among consumers and businesses alike.
Wholesale markets echo this alarming rise in garlic rates, where the commodity is being traded at Rs 130-140 per kilogram. Even the superior-quality garlic varieties command a significant price, fetching around Rs 220-250 per kilogram in the wholesale domain.
This abrupt surge in garlic prices stands as a concerning trend, mirroring the recent upheaval witnessed in onion rates. The root cause, primarily attributed to the dwindling supply of garlic, raises apprehensions about sustained high prices in the foreseeable future.
Dwindling garlic supply sparks unprecedented price surge
Garlic, following the heels of onions, has become the latest spice to witness an alarming doubling in prices within a mere week. This abrupt escalation stems from a critical shortage of garlic supply across the nation, caused by adverse weather conditions that inflicted substantial damage on the crops.
Unseasonal rainfall, attributed to Cyclone Michaung, wreaked havoc in several regions of India, resulting in significant losses in the garlic harvest. This meteorological upheaval has led to an acute scarcity of this essential spice in the market, consequently propelling its prices to double.
Analysts anticipate a continued upward trajectory in prices nationwide until the arrival of the new garlic yield, expected by month-end. Historically, garlic prices tend to surge during the winter season due to reduced production and limited supply.
This surge in garlic prices arrives on the heels of the recent onion scarcity, where wholesale markets experienced a dearth in supply and inflated prices. Despite the government's interventions aimed at stabilizing prices, retail rates stubbornly lingered at ₹300-400 per kilogram, while wholesale prices hovered around Rs 200.
The root cause of this sudden price surge in essential food items, including garlic, can be attributed to the unanticipated and severe weather fluctuations experienced in various parts of India. These climatic anomalies have severely impacted crop yields, consequently leading to the current scarcity and subsequent price hikes.