India, May 18 -- The recent increase in petrol and diesel prices is beginning to ripple through Pune's wholesale markets, with traders at the Market Yard reporting higher vegetable and fruit prices due to rising transportation costs. The fuel hike has disrupted the supply chains of essential commodities arriving from Maharashtra and neighbouring states.

Traders and transport unions have warned that higher freight charges are likely to push up prices of groceries, pulses, edible oils and other essentials in the coming days, increasing pressure on household budgets.

At Shri Chhatrapati Shivaji Market Yard, wholesale traders said transport costs for trucks carrying fruits and vegetables have risen over the past few days.

Senior fruit and ...