The ongoing transport strike in Delhi-NCR has begun affecting both daily commuters and wholesale markets, with vegetable prices witnessing a sharp rise across the national capital on Friday.
As the strike entered its second day, reduced movement of trucks and commercial vehicles disrupted the supply chain, particularly at Azadpur Mandi, Delhi’s largest wholesale vegetable market. Traders reported that the arrival of fresh stock had dropped significantly, triggering price spikes in several commonly used vegetables and herbs.
Vegetable Prices Rise Sharply
Vendors at Azadpur Mandi said supplies remained limited as only a small number of trucks reached the market compared to normal days. The reduced arrivals have already started impacting wholesale and retail rates.
The price of coriander reportedly jumped from around Rs 40 per kilogram to nearly Rs 100 per kilogram within two days. Ginger prices also increased, with traders selling it between Rs 120 and Rs 130 per kilogram.
Lemons and mint leaves also became costlier as market arrivals slowed due to the strike.
Traders dealing in onions, potatoes and garlic said they are currently relying on existing stock, warning that fresh supplies may become inadequate if transport disruptions continue over the next few days.
Concerns Over Supply Shortage
Market associations said the current stock available in the mandi may only be sufficient for a limited period if transportation does not resume normally soon.
Several traders expressed concern that onion prices could also rise in the coming days if demand increases while supply remains restricted.
Truck operators participating in the strike parked vehicles in transport hubs and industrial areas, affecting the movement of goods entering Delhi from neighbouring states.
Commuters Struggle Across Delhi-NCR
Apart from the impact on wholesale markets, the strike also caused difficulties for commuters in several parts of Delhi-NCR.
Passengers at major transit points, including New Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar and key Metro interchanges, faced delays and shortages of autos and taxis as transport unions continued their three-day protest.
Many commuters reported longer waiting times and higher fares due to reduced availability of public transport options.
Why Transporters Are Protesting
The strike has been called by multiple transport and driver unions protesting against the Delhi government’s revised environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles and rising CNG, petrol and diesel prices.
Commercial vehicle operators have argued that increasing operational costs are severely affecting their earnings and have demanded a revision in taxi and auto fares.
According to union representatives, the protest also targets policies introduced by authorities regulating pollution and commercial transport operations in the capital region.
Drivers Demand Relief Measures
Transport union leaders said middle-class drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to manage household expenses because of continuous fuel price hikes and growing maintenance costs.
Several unions have jointly appealed to drivers to keep vehicles off the roads during the protest period, which is scheduled to continue until May 23.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as concerns grow over supply disruptions, rising market prices and inconvenience to daily commuters if the strike continues beyond the announced duration.
