Garlic Prices Surge to ₹400/kg: What’s Behind the Sudden Doubling in Spice Costs?

Garlic prices have nearly doubled over the past few days, making it the latest victim of basic commodity price inflation. In certain regions, the cost of garlic has risen to ₹400 per kilogram, owing to a shortage.

One of the spices that is used the most liberally in India, garlic, has seen a price increase in the last few days, with some retail markets selling it for as much as ₹300 to ₹400 per kg. It is anticipated that the prices will stay high through the end of the year.

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According to the source, garlic is currently being sold in wholesale markets for between ₹130 and 140, representing a significant increase in wholesale prices. Meanwhile, wholesale prices for premium garlic range from ₹220-250 per kg.

Why has the cost of garlic doubled?

Garlic was the next spice whose price doubled in less than a week, after onions. Due to crop damage from extreme weather, there is a decreasing supply of garlic nationwide, which is the cause of the high prices.

Many garlic crops were destroyed in parts of India due to unseasonal rainfall brought on by Cyclone Michaung. Due to this, there is a severe scarcity of spices on the market, which has caused prices to double.

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Until the new yield enters the market, which may happen by the end of the month, prices are predicted to rise nationwide. The winter months usually see an increase in garlic prices because of the low supply and yield.

Following the shortage of onions, which resulted in high prices and low supply in wholesale markets, there has been an unanticipated increase in the price of garlic. The Center made multiple attempts to lower the prices, but the rates stayed the same at ₹300–400 for retail and approximately ₹200 for wholesale.

The unexpected and extreme weather conditions in some parts of India, which resulted in low crop yield, are the cause of the abrupt increase in the prices of essential fruits and vegetables.