Prices of food items at Bengal’s retail markets skyrocket as festive season begins
In Kolkata, the vibrant start of Durga Puja on Maha Saptami has hit a snag for many families. Fresh vegetables, fish, and meat—key ingredients in beloved Bengali meals—are seeing sharp price hikes in local markets across West Bengal. With celebrations kicking off on September 29, shoppers face higher costs just when they want to whip up special dishes for the four-day festival.
This surge in food prices is putting a damper on the festive spirit. Bengali households often go all out with elaborate lunches and dinners during Durga Puja, but these rising costs make it tougher. Only potatoes and onions hold steady, offering some relief. Potatoes sell for Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, while onions go for about Rs 25 per kg.
Other vegetables, however, are climbing fast. Bitter gourd now costs Rs 60 per kg, and cauliflower runs Rs 40 to Rs 50 per piece. Brinjal hits Rs 80 per kg, papaya Rs 50 per kg, and cabbage Rs 55 per kg. Ladies’ finger shoots up to a steep Rs 120 per kg, ridge gourd reaches Rs 70 per kg, and parwal ranges from Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg. Even green chillies are at Rs 100 per kg.
Fish prices are soaring too, especially for favorites like Hilsa, the star of many Bengali tables. Hilsa sells for Rs 800 to Rs 1,200 per kg, while Catla costs Rs 350 per kg and Rohu Rs 250 per kg. Medium-sized prawns fetch Rs 450 to Rs 500 per kg.
Meat and eggs aren’t far behind. Mutton goes for Rs 850 per kg, chicken Rs 240 per kg, and eggs Rs 7 each in retail markets.
Rabindranath Kolay, from the state government’s task force monitoring essential food prices in West Bengal, says this spike is typical during festivals. “We’re watching the markets closely to prevent prices from getting out of hand,” he told . “Things should calm down once Durga Puja wraps up.”
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