JHAPA: Consumers in Jhapa district have been hit hard due to the skyrocketing price of vegetables and other essential commodities in the recent days.

Contrary to the trend of the price falling after the festive season, it has shot up after Tihar festival this year.

"The vegetables are getting dearer the every other day," said Bhagawati Ghimire, coordinator, Multi Purpose Cooperatives in Birtamode. Potato costs Rs 50 per kilogram now, compared to Rs 20 during the festivals. Onion, radish and tomato have also grown twice as expensive. Similarly, cauliflower costs Rs 70 per kg in the local market. "The unexpected high price of the commodities is beyond one's imagination this time," said Krishna Timalsina, a resident of Anarmani.

Meena Bhujel, a wholesaler in Birtamode, said that they were paying more prices to farmers and dealers in proportionate to the price hike in the market.

Vegetables are supplied to Birtamode from Ilam, Panchthar and Taplejung, and also from Siliguri, Naxalbadi and Galgaliya of India. While, fruits are brought in from Morang, Dhankuta, Chitwan and Pokhara. "The price hike is resulted due to frequent bandhs and strikes," said Narayan Rijal, a vegetable trader.