Kathmandu, Nov. 18 -- Traders have hiked prices of vegetables by up to 107 percent within a week citing increased demand during the Tihar festival.

Consumers, who have been overcharged for vegetables since the country announced a lockdown to contain Covid-19 in March, are also bearing the brunt of below-par production of vegetables in the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Demand for vegetables such as cauliflower picks up during Tihar due to which prices go up," said Binaya Shrestha, deputy director at Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market Development Board. "Traders cash in on the opportunity to hike prices similar to the way they do with other essential food items that are in high demand."

Wholesale prices of tomato (small and tu...