Kathmandu. The price of vegetables has risen by up to 166 percent at Kalimati Fruit and Vegetable Market. Study of the rate list provided by the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Committee shows the maximum hike in the price of onion.

Onion was sold at Rs42 per kg in September 1, but is being sold at Rs112 in wholesale and Rs140 in retail within the market premise in September 20.

Consumers complained that the price of vegetables in Kalimati was not cheaper than at other markets and the current escalations have added to the chagrin.

The Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection had assured but has not been successful in curbing the regular price hikes consumers are facing at present. “The price of Mude’s potato is Rs230 for two-and-half kilos in Kapan but it costs Rs240 here,” a customer expressed his resentment .

As per the list provided by the market committee, price of local tomato has also increased by 83 percent. Red potato and Mude’s potato have seen increments of 40 and 29 percent respectively.Bitter gourd has seen around a 90 percent rise, watermelon 72 percent, green garlic 56 percent and green chilli 98 percent.

Tamarind, bamboo shoot, gundruk, green onion, carrot and radish have been trading at the same price for the last 20 days whereas the price of chayote has seen a decline of about 52 percent, stats show. French bean, soy bean, green pumpkin and local cauliflowers too have seen a fall in price.

The Kathmandu Valley gets most of its vegetables from Sarlahi, Bara, Kabhre, Chitwan, Dhading and Makwanpur districts.