Those who are planning to eat more sweet this time, just to forget the bitterness of price rise, are also in for a shock- the prices of jaggery, mostly used during Ugadi, has also gone up by Rs 6 to 7, a kg. Wheat prices have gone up by Rs 2 and touched Rs 20 per kg.

Dhaniya prices have reached Rs 60-80 from Rs 35-40. On top of this, all brands of edible oil has become expensive, at least, by Rs 10 to 20. The prices of all the vegetables have skyrocketed. On the other hand, prices of Beans, Beetroot, tomato and other vegetables have not come down at all. Coriander leaves which costed Rs 50 paise now costs from Rs 2 to Rs 3 at present in the backdrop of the festival.

Though the prices have stabilised a bit now, it is still on a higher level compared to the prices six months ago.

Prices skyrocket
Market analysts feel that developments in United States of America and Australia are having a direct impact on the domestic prices of commodities.

The prices of rice has gone up by Rs 2 to 3, greenpea by Rs 10, tur dal by Rs 4 to 5 and bengal gram by Rs 10. Moreover, there has been a virtual dearth of salt in the district.

Homemaker Kamalamma feels the poor people are not even in a position to go to the market thanks to the spiralling prices.

The Ugadi this time has become very expensive, she says.