The national capital Delhi is witnessing a sharp rise in vegetable prices as an ongoing auto and taxi strike disrupts transportation and supply chains across the city. The impact of the strike is most visible in wholesale markets, especially at Azadpur Mandi, where essential vegetables are being sold at significantly higher prices compared to normal levels.

According to market traders, the disruption in transport services has led to a sharp decline in the arrival of vegetable-laden trucks. As a result, the availability of fresh produce has dropped, pushing prices upward. One of the most affected items is coriander, which has surged from around Rs 40 per kilogram to nearly Rs 100 per kilogram within a short span of time.

Ginger prices have also seen a steep increase, now selling between Rs 120 to Rs 130 per kilogram, compared to earlier rates of around Rs 100 per kilogram. Other vegetables such as lemons, mint, onions, and garlic are also experiencing price pressure due to limited supply in the market.

The ongoing disruption is linked to a three-day strike by transport and taxi unions in Delhi-NCR, which began on Thursday and continued into Friday, marking the second day of the protest. The strike is being held in response to rising fuel costs, including CNG price hikes, and policy-related concerns raised by commercial vehicle operators.

Transporters have parked their vehicles in industrial zones and key logistics hubs as part of the protest. This has significantly reduced the movement of goods into Delhi’s major wholesale markets. In some cases, only a fraction of the usual number of trucks have reached distribution centres, leading to visible shortages.

Traders at Azadpur Mandi report that current stock levels are extremely limited and may last only a day or two if supply does not improve. This raises concerns of further price escalation if demand remains stable or increases.

The situation has also affected essential household planning, as retail prices are expected to adjust upward in response to wholesale inflation. Vendors warn that if transport disruption continues, vegetables such as onions and potatoes could also see significant price hikes in the coming days.

The strike has had a wider impact beyond just market prices. Daily commuters across Delhi-NCR have faced difficulties due to reduced availability of autos, taxis, and other commercial transport services. Major transport hubs such as railway stations and metro interchanges have reported increased congestion and delays.

The protest is reportedly aimed at opposing what transport unions describe as unfair regulatory and financial pressures, including environmental compensation charges and rising fuel costs. Drivers argue that increasing operational expenses are making it difficult for them to sustain livelihoods.

Union representatives have stated that the strike is part of a coordinated protest involving multiple transport associations. They have also demanded revisions in fare structures to match rising fuel expenses and operational costs.

The disruption has highlighted the fragile dependency of urban supply chains on daily transport networks. Even a short-term halt in logistics movement has resulted in immediate price fluctuations in essential commodities like vegetables.

Experts suggest that the situation reflects broader challenges in urban supply chain resilience, especially in large metropolitan cities like Delhi, where daily consumption depends heavily on incoming supplies from surrounding states.

If the strike continues or expands, there is a possibility of further inflationary pressure on food items, especially perishable goods that require continuous transportation. Market analysts are closely monitoring the situation for potential spillover effects into broader retail inflation.

For now, the situation remains fluid, with traders and consumers both hoping for a quick resolution to restore normal transport services and stabilize vegetable supply chains in the capital.

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