Traders in Salem, Tamil Nadu, anticipate a rise in grocery prices due to recent fuel price hikes, which began on May 15 amid the ongoing West Asia crisis. Currently, petrol prices in Salem exceed ₹108 per litre and diesel prices are over ₹100 per litre. S.C. Natarajan, president of the Salem Shevapet Maligai and Shop Varthaga Nala Sangam, noted that the freight charges for key commodities are set to increase. For instance, the cost of transporting urad dal from Andhra Pradesh is expected to rise from ₹1.80 to ₹2.25 per kg, leading to a potential price increase of 50 paise per kg. Similarly, freight charges for toor dal from Karnataka may increase from ₹2.10 to ₹2.50 per kg, while peanuts from Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh could see charges rise from ₹4.50 to between ₹4.75 and ₹5 per kg. Garlic freight charges are also projected to increase from ₹7 to ₹7.50 per kg. Despite these increases, Natarajan mentioned that retail prices for garlic remain significantly lower than a decade ago, ranging from ₹120 to ₹150 per kg based on quality. However, millet prices are not expected to rise significantly due to a good harvest in Tamil Nadu this year.