Ludhiana, June 18 -- The sharp spike in vegetable prices across Ludhiana has started pinching household budgets, leaving both homemakers and vendors struggling to cope with the sudden surge in rates. From tomatoes to green peas, the cost of daily essentials has doubled in just a few days, largely due to disrupted supply chains, erratic weather, and transportation issues.

According to wholesale vendors at the city's main vegetable market, tomato prices have soared from Rs.10-15 per kg to Rs.45-50, while peas have shot up from Rs.50-55 to Rs.90-100 per kg. Likewise, cauliflower and capsicum, earlier priced at Rs.15-20 per kg, are now being sold at Rs.45-55.

Notably, the price rise is not limited to seasonal produce. Even staple items such...