BHUBANESWAR: Expressing concern over the rise in prices of essential commodities, food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Sunday directed senior officers to check black-marketing and hoarding.
“Skyrocketing prices of essential commodities is a national phenomenon and not limited to Odisha alone. Among various reasons responsible for the rise of prices of essential commodities, hoarding and blackmarketing play a major role.If we could check hoarding and black-marketing, then the demand-supply gap can be addressed to some extent,” Patra told TOI. The minister also asked the officers to stay alert and take strict action against the violators. Officials of the department on Sunday conducted raids at major markets in different cities, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur and Puri to check whether there was black-marketing and hoarding of goods.

District collectors to monitor cost of essential items
All district collectors have been asked to keep a close watch on the sale and purchase of essential items. District supply officers were directed to send ground reports to the department.
Prices of vegetables, rice, pulses and edible oil have increased significantly in the last few weeks affecting consumers by putting additional burden on the family budget. Among vegetables, tomato is selling at Rs 100 per kg while beans are priced above Rs 300 per kg in the city markets. The price of onion has crossed Rs 50 per kg, while potatoes are selling at Rs 35 per kg.
“Govt must intervene as he surging prices are hitting all consumers hard. We may reduce our intake but cutting down on vegetables and other essential items will affect the health of children,” said Sukanti Sahu, a homemaker.