The recent hike in fuel prices has raised concerns about a possible increase in vegetable and fruit prices in the city in the coming days, with wholesale traders at Koyambedu market noting that higher transportation costs could soon push up retail prices.

With prices of some vegetables already rising due to reduced arrivals, wholesale traders said the recent fuel price hike could trigger a further rise in cost, depending on the transportation cost.

Residents like Vasanthi Kannan of Kodambakkam said families were already planning to cut spending on travel and recreation to divert more budget towards essential needs. The fuel price hike would have a cascading effect on transportation and essential commodities like groceries, vegetables and fruits, they said.

Anbumani Mohan, a Mogappair resident, said, “With vegetable prices going up, we are now managing one dish daily or opting for cheaper vegetables. While our income has remained unchanged, daily expenses continue to rise, making it difficult for middle-class families to manage household budgets and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

G. Rajasekaran, president, Federation of Koyambedu Wholesale Market Merchants’ Association, said it may take a few more days for the impact to reflect on vegetable prices as lorry operators are in talks on increasing freight charges.

Merchants at the Koyambedu wholesale market also noted that vegetable prices are determined daily depending on arrivals and demand. The increase in transportation cost would also affect traders and farmers.

P. Sukumar, treasurer, Koyambedu Vegetables, Fruits and Flowers Merchants’ Association, said some vegetables such as beans (₹110/kg), carrots (₹50-60/kg) and broad beans (₹60-70/kg) were sold for higher rates in the wholesale market. There is a possibility that lorry operators will increase transportation charges by 5% to 10%. Retail prices may go up by at least 5%.

However, wholesale fruit merchants said they expect the impact to remain limited as Koyambedu receives many loads of produce in smaller vehicles. S. Srinivasan, president, Chennai Koyambedu Fruits Commission Agents Association, said the lorries bringing sweet lime from Anantapur and Pulivendula in Andhra Pradesh may hike cost by ₹1,500-2,000 per load. While it may not significantly affect wholesale fruit prices, retail rates may go up by 5%.