As the prices of essential commodities continue to move northwards, spending during the festive season becomes tighter. So, for a better bargain, many families now go to wholesale markets to keep the festival budget at minimum. Photo: K. Pichumani
Some customers feel that a trip to a wholesale market does not offer a good bargain if the fuel and commuting charges are factored in. Photo: K. Pichumani
Vegetables like carrot, onion, broad beans and garlic are some of the costlier items in the retail market. The sweet temptations have also got dearer with prices of elaichi and cashew having increased considerably. Photo: S.S. Kumar
However, prices of a few ‘must-use' items should bring some cheer. The cost of dal varieties has not escalated much except for a marginal increase of a rupee or two, say wholesale traders. Photo: S.S. Kumar
Heavy rains in some pockets also disrupted supply of commodities, creating an imbalance. The prices would continue to fluctuate, without much of a dip until Deepavali, say traders. Photo: S.S. Kumar
Though the rising prices are a deterrent, people continue to buy gold as it is considered the best investment option. Photo: G.P. Sampath Kumar
However, the impulsive buying of gold seems to have come down among the people. The steep rise in price could be contributed to many factors, including more investors in online gold trading and downslide in U.S. economy. Photo: T. Vijaya Kumar
Jewellers in the city said that most of the customers are either exchanging old gold jewels for new or buy coins. Silver jewellery is also becoming popular among youngsters. Photo: M. Periasamy
With the expectation for 25 to 30 per cent increase in gold business this festive season, slight dip in prices is also expected in the next six months, says N. Anantha Padmanabhan, chairman of Gold Club of Chennai. With all the price war, celebrations become costlier, but the festivals end merrier, however. Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy