Kathmandu, Nov. 27 -- Vegetable prices, which have been climbing steadily since August, show no signs of easing-even as the country enters what is typically the season of abundant fresh produce.

The sustained surge has pushed wholesale and retail rates up by more than 200 percent in Nepal's biggest vegetable hub, the Kalimati Fruits and Vegetable Market, deepening concerns for consumers already grappling with rising living costs.

Traders say the current spike stems from a sharp drop in production and heavier-than-usual demand, particularly driven by the ongoing wedding season.

In the past month alone, the wholesale price of tomatoes-the most volatile commodity in recent weeks-has jumped by an astonishing 269.72 percent, reaching Rs105 ...