Vegetable prices have increased significantly in conjunction with the start of the new academic year, placing further burden on the shoulders of the poor.
The wholesale price of a kilogram of tomatoes ranges between LE4 and LE6.50, and the kilogram of tomatoes is sold in retail at between LE8 and LE10. The retail price of a kilogram of beans is sold at LE30 in some areas.
The Supply Ministry attributed the rise in vegetable prices to the eid holiday, saying that the prices will return to normal next week.
Osama Abdel Rahman, a grocer in 6 October City, attributed the price hikes to the recent heat wave, which caused crops to rot and contributed to the reduced supply. A kilogram of green peppers is sold at LE5, potatoes at LE4, onions at LE3, cucumbers at LE5, lemons at LE8 and carrots at LE6, according to Abdel Rahman.
The wholesale prices of vegetables has increased due to the heat wave, said Sayed Badr, a grocer at Obour market, agreeing with Abdel Rahman. The wholesale price of a kilogram of beans increased from LE6 to between LE7 and LE10. The price of a kilogram of potatoes rose from LE1.75 to LE2.25 and the price of a kilogram of zucchini rose from LE1.5 to LE3.5, said Badr.
Meanwhile, grocer Fayza Mohamed Ali accused farmers of greed. She said farmers store some crops like potatoes, carrots and beans in large amounts to sell them later at higher prices.
Media spokesperson for the Supply Ministry Mahmoud Diab attributed the price hikes to the eid vacation, stressing that the prices would return to normal next week.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
