Heatwave Triggers Surge in Vegetable Prices Across India

India’s ongoing heatwave is having a cascading effect on food prices, particularly vegetables, as high temperatures scorch crops, disrupt supply chains, and increase storage costs. In May 2025, retail markets across multiple Indian cities reported significant spikes in the prices of essentials such as tomatoes, onions, and green vegetables, exacerbating inflationary pressures on households and adding strain to the country’s food distribution system.

Unrelenting heat across North and Central India has dried up reservoirs, withered standing crops, and led to a sharp reduction in the availability of perishable produce. Farmers in key growing regions of Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh report lower yields and quality degradation due to excessive heat stress and inadequate irrigation.

As a result, the wholesale supply of vegetables to urban mandis has dipped. Tomatoes, which are highly sensitive to heat, have seen prices double in several cities, including Delhi and Mumbai. Onions, another staple, are trading at 30–40% above their April levels, while leafy greens have nearly disappeared from markets in some regions due to spoilage during transport in high temperatures.

The logistical impact of the heatwave is equally concerning. Many supply trucks are forced to reduce volumes or travel only at night to avoid food spoilage. Increased fuel usage for refrigerated storage has also added to overall costs, which are passed on to consumers.

These developments come against the backdrop of India’s broader inflation challenges. Food inflation has consistently pressured the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policies, and climate-driven volatility further complicates economic recovery. With summer at its peak and the monsoon yet to stabilize, economists warn of continued price fluctuations in the short term.

Consumers are responding with changes in purchasing behavior. Street vendors and restaurants report reduced demand for dishes requiring fresh produce, while households are increasingly shifting to long-lasting or processed food alternatives. This behavioral shift reflects a growing adaptation to climate volatility at the consumer level.

At the policy level, state governments are attempting to intervene with price caps, buffer stock releases, and direct farmer support. However, the long-term structural vulnerability of India’s food system to climate shocks remains unresolved. Experts are calling for accelerated investments in resilient agriculture, temperature-tolerant crop varieties, and cold-chain infrastructure that can handle extreme weather.

Conclusion

India’s heatwave has evolved from an environmental issue to an economic and social one, affecting both producers and consumers of food. The vegetable price surge of May 2025 underscores how climate extremes now pose a systemic threat to food security and affordability. As heatwaves become more frequent, it is essential for agricultural and market systems to evolve in tandem, ensuring continuity of supply, stable pricing, and sustainable production even in harsh climatic conditions.

Source: Outlook Business