Chandigarh, Sept. 4 -- City residents are grappling with a steep rise in vegetable prices after supply got hit in Punjab's Apni Mandis on Wednesday, disrupting the flow of fresh produce to Chandigarh markets. Retailers reported that all varieties of vegetables have become costlier, with tomatoes leading the surge.

In just under two weeks, tomato prices have doubled-from Rs.49 per kg on June 15 to Rs.60 per kg in mandis on Wednesday. Retail outlets are quoting even higher, with standard tomatoes selling at Rs.80 per kg and premium quality nearing Rs.100 per kg. Prices of other vegetables, including capsicum, bottle gourd, and lady finger, also saw sharp jumps compared to last month.

"Floods have affected the local produce in Punjab, Hary...