The price of different varieties of fish which come to the state mostly from south India rose by Rs 35-40 per kg today. The price of spices which come from states like Gujarat, Orissa and Kerala was 10 per cent higher than the regular days today. The price of onions which come from Nasik has increased by Rs 4 per kg. The rates of other essential commodities like mustard oil also increased by Rs 8 per kg.

Usually, carrots and peas come to the state from Ranchi, Vadodara and Bilaspur. "We got some supplies (of carrots and peas) till yesterday, but the members of the truckers' associations that are not participating in the strike are quoting astronomical prices," said Omprakash Gupta, a retailer.

The retailers dealing in fruits said the wholesale prices of oranges and bananas have increased to Rs 100-150 per tonne. According to them, the city used to get the stock in 65-70 trucks every day, but the number has decreased now.

"Some commodities have already become costlier," said Mahesh Singhania of the Federation of West Bengal Traders Association. Had the oil strike not been lifted, the prices would have still been higher.