Retail prices of all essential commodities, barring sugar, have increased, some by over 50 per cent, in the past four years in the four metros.

Prices of potato and onion, two sensitive commodities, have, however, shown some resilience . The data, maintained by the Consumer Affairs Ministry, reveal that between May 24, 2004 and June 4, 2008 wheat prices have gone up by over 62 per cent to Rs 13 a kg in Delhi, 47 per cent to Rs 15.50 in Mumbai and 42 per cent to Rs 17 in Chennai.

Another staple diet, rice, has also become more expensive. Its rates have moved up in the range of 25-45 per cent to Rs 18 a kg from Rs 12.50 per kg in Delhi, Rs 16 from Rs 11 in Mumbai, Rs 14 from Rs 10 in Kolkata and Rs 15 from Rs 12 a kg in Chennai.

The gram (chana) prices saw the maximum rise of 73 per cent in Mumbai, while in Delhi it was up by 56 per cent. In Kokata, it rose by 50 per cent, while in Chennai, it went up 48 per cent. Mustard oil surged to Rs 74 and Rs 75 a litre from Rs 55 and Rs 50 in Delhi and Kolkata respectively. The prices dropped to Rs 75 from Rs 80 a litre in Mumbai.

Milk prices too increased by up to 65 per cent in the metros. Incidentally, India is the world’s largest producer of milk. Consumers in Kolkata are most affected as the milk price have shot up to Rs 28 from Rs 17 a litre.

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