Chennai, May 16:
The recent diesel price hike is set to increase the cost of vegetables and essential commodities across Chennai, as transporters and traders report a sharp rise in freight charges.
Wholesale traders at Koyambedu Wholesale Market Complex said transport costs have already gone up, impacting both local deliveries and long-distance supply chains.
According to traders, a short-distance trip from Koyambedu to Kolathur that earlier cost around ₹1,000 is now nearly ₹1,300. This increase is expected to push vegetable prices up by ₹3 to ₹5 per kilogram in the coming days.
Essential commodities such as rice, pulses, chilli, coriander, and edible oils are also likely to become costlier, as higher freight charges directly affect wholesale and retail pricing.
Long-distance transport has been hit even harder. Moving a 20-tonne load from Maharashtra to Chennai, which previously cost about ₹1.1 lakh, may now rise to nearly ₹1.3 lakh. Transporters cite rising fuel prices, along with higher expenses for wages, tolls, insurance, and maintenance.
The impact is expected to be significant on goods transported from neighbouring states like Karnataka and Maharashtra, with freight charges likely to increase further.
Transport operators say diesel accounts for nearly 60% of operating costs, making it difficult to absorb repeated price hikes. Industry bodies have urged the Union government to roll back fuel price increases, warning that continued hikes will ultimately burden consumers with higher retail prices.
Meanwhile, transport associations have indicated that protests may be held in June to highlight concerns over rising fuel costs and related expenses.