Guwahati: After the spiraling fuel prices, it's now the soaring vegetable prices that are upsetting the budget of the common man.

Vendors have blamed the heavy rains and storms for the rising prices of vegetables, adding that the rates are likely to go up further in the next few days.

Continuous rains accompanied by thunderstorms have damaged vegetable crops in areas like Kharupetia, Nagaon, and Barpeta. The State is now dependent on produce from neighbouring states, particularly West Bengal and Sikkim.

"We are totally dependent now on the fresh vegetable supplies from West Ben gal. A drop in vegetable supplies from nearby farms has hiked prices of green vegetables in the market," said a wholesaler of Fancy Bazar.

Another wholesale trader, said that he is expecting local produce to be available in the market in the last week of May or the first week of June.

Prices of several vegetables are also likely to further increase next week when vegetables from Shillong become available in the market because produce coming from the hill station is generally costlier.

A few traders with limited items were seen on Tuesday in the Fancy Bazar wholesale market which is usually packed with green vegetable traders.

The wholesale rates of the vegetables are currently ranging from Rs 16 to Rs 80 per kilogram. The wholesale rate of a lady's finger is Rs 40 per kg and that of a pointed gourd is Rs 25-Rs 30 per kg. while string bean is selling for Rs 60.

In the retail market, prices of most vegetables have soared in the last fortnight. The retail price of a lady's finger is Rs 80 per kg and that of a pointed gourd is Rs 70-Rs 80 per kg, while string bean is selling for Rs 80.

Most of the vegetables are now being sold above Rs 70-Rs 80 per kilogram.

"Vegetables are the most perishable commodities and we cannot purchase huge quantities for small localities at a time. Thus, we have to go frequently to the wholesale market. The increasing fuel prices also increase our transportation cost," Hazarika said.

Due to the current price rise, homemakers are bearing the brunt.

Amidst the burning prices, there is a dire need for government to look after this matter and resolve it as soon as possible.