Kathmandu, Nepal - Vegetable prices in Nepal’s largest wholesale market have seen a sharp rise in recent weeks, with increases reaching as high as 224 percent compared to the same period last year, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Committee.
Data released by the committee shows that while the minimum price increase stands at 12 percent, several commonly consumed vegetables have experienced steep spikes, placing added pressure on consumers already coping with rising living costs.
Wholesale trader Geetaprasad Acharya, who also leads a traders’ association in the Kalimati market, acknowledged the year-on-year price rise but noted early signs of stabilization. Prices of vegetables such as tomatoes, bottle gourd, sponge gourd, and okra have begun to decline compared to the previous month. He attributed this shift to the seasonal transition, as winter crops phase out and monsoon vegetables gradually enter the market.
Supply disruption appears to be a key factor behind the surge. Under normal conditions, the Kalimati market receives over 1,000 metric tons of vegetables daily. However, current arrivals have dropped to around 600-700 metric tons, tightening supply and pushing prices upward.
Committee director Binay Shrestha described the current situation as a seasonal adjustment period. With winter vegetable production ending and new harvests still arriving, temporary price volatility is expected. He added that since last week, fresh supplies have started coming in from districts such as Makwanpur, Chitwan, and parts of the Terai, which could help ease prices in the coming days.
At present, the market relies heavily on produce from Kathmandu Valley and nearby hill districts including Dhading, Kavre, Nuwakot, Dolakha, and Ramechhap, along with Terai districts such as Sarlahi, Bara, and Parsa. Any fluctuation in supply from these regions has a direct impact on pricing in the capital.
While traders remain cautiously optimistic about price normalization with increasing supply, the current spike highlights Nepal’s vulnerability to seasonal supply gaps and the need for stronger agricultural logistics and storage systems to ensure price stability.
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