As Teej festivities approach, vegetable prices in Kathmandu have surged dramatically, with some items rising by over 200 percent in a month, according to the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board.

Traders attribute the price hike to increased festival demand, stagnant local production, and disruptions caused by recent rainfall. Wholesale prices of key vegetables such as tomato, potato, eggplant, cow pea, French bean, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, and snake gourd have soared. For example, long eggplant prices jumped 233 percent to Rs50 per kg, while cow pea increased by 441 percent to Rs108.33 per kg. Retail prices are even higher, with some vegetables selling for more than Rs150 per kg.

“The demand for vegetables has risen ahead of Teej, but supply remains limited due to seasonal yield decline and weather disruptions,” said Binay Shrestha, information officer at the Kalimati board. Highways connecting the Kathmandu Valley, including Tribhuvan, Prithvi, and BP Highways, have also been intermittently blocked by rainfall, affecting the vegetable supply chain from surrounding districts.

Consumers have expressed concern over the rising prices. Adarsha Chaudhary from Kalanki said, “A kilogram of tomato cost Rs50 two weeks ago; today it is Rs95. Prices of other vegetables have also skyrocketed, making it difficult to manage household expenses during the festival.”

Consumer rights activists have criticized traders for exploiting festival demand, creating artificial shortages, and practicing black marketing amid weak regulatory oversight.

The board reported that vegetable arrivals have declined, with 732 tonnes received this week compared to 828 tonnes a month ago, further intensifying price pressures. Traders expect prices to remain elevated throughout the Teej season and into October.