India: Rising potato prices during the national election a worrying development for ruling parties

A sudden increase in the prices of essential goods can be worrying for the ruling parties, especially as it could upset budget-conscious voters from lower and middle-income groups. However, while other essential food prices remain stable, potato prices have spiked, causing discomfort for the ruling parties. The fresh potato harvest typically begins entering the market from November and lasts until March, with prices being lowest during this time. Up until the end of March, potatoes were priced around INR 18-20 per kg in retail markets. However, by April 15, prices had risen to INR 25 to INR 30 (USD 0.3 to USD 0.36) per kg in various markets. Based on data from the central government’s Department of Consumer Affairs, as reported by Business Standard, the price of potatoes rose from INR 17 (USD 0.20) per kg on March 3 to INR 25 (USD 0.3) per kg on April 3, marking a 47.1% increase. The primary cause of the rise in potato prices is a production shortfall in the two largest ...