Vegetable Prices Surge in Delhi Amid Ongoing Auto and Taxi Strike
The ongoing auto and taxi strike in Delhi has led to a dramatic rise in vegetable prices, with reports indicating that costs have doubled in major wholesale markets. As traders struggle with limited supply and increasing demand, passengers are facing travel difficulties across the city. The strike, which protests against rising taxes and fuel prices, is set to continue until May 23. This situation raises concerns about food affordability and transport accessibility in the capital. Read on to learn more about the implications of this strike on daily life in Delhi.
May 22, 2026, 15:45 IST
Impact of the Strike on Vegetable Prices
In the capital city of Delhi, the ongoing strike by auto and taxi drivers has led to a significant increase in vegetable prices. As the second day of the transporters' strike unfolded on Friday, the effects began to manifest in the markets. At Azadpur Mandi, the largest wholesale market in Delhi, vegetable prices have reportedly doubled. The cost of coriander has surged from ₹40 to ₹100 per kilogram, while ginger has risen from ₹100 to between ₹120 and ₹130 per kilogram. Additionally, prices for lemons and mint have also escalated.
Limited Supply and Rising Demand
Traders dealing in onions, potatoes, and garlic are currently liquidating their stock, as only 20 trucks have arrived in the market today, which is insufficient to meet Delhi's demands. If the demand continues to rise, onion prices may increase further. The existing stock in the market is only adequate for one or two days. Beyond the vegetable price hikes, passengers in the Delhi-NCR region have faced travel difficulties due to a three-day strike initiated by various transport and taxi unions in protest against the city's rising taxes and CNG prices, which began on Thursday.
Details of the Ongoing Strike
This three-day strike, which is set to continue until May 23, primarily opposes the Delhi government's decision to increase the environmental compensation tax on commercial vehicles. Passengers have encountered challenges at some of the busiest locations in the national capital, including New Delhi Railway Station, Anand Vihar, and Mandi House metro station. Trucks have been parked in industrial areas like Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar as part of the protest. Additionally, associations representing commercial vehicle drivers have supported the strike and are demanding an increase in taxi and auto fares due to rising fuel costs.
Union's Statement on the Strike
According to a statement from the transport union, this strike is a response to the "unjust and unreasonable policies" imposed on the transport sector by the Air Quality Management Commission (CAQM), the courts, and the Delhi government. Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice president of the Driver Power Union, stated that the continuous rise in CNG, petrol, and diesel prices is making it difficult for middle-class drivers to support their families. Consequently, the Driver Power Union has coordinated with other organizations to call for a 'chakka jam' and has appealed for vehicles to remain off the roads on May 21, 22, and 23.
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