Bhubaneswar: Price of the humble potato continued to remain high, ranging from Rs 45 to 60 per kg on Sunday, despite state govt’s claims that supply of the vegetable from West Bengal has resumed. Consumers have been feeling the price pinch for the last few days, while street food vendors are struggling to keep businesses afloat.
“The vendors are not allowing us to touch potatoes as if they are selling precious metals.We cannot do business by buying potatoes at Rs 50 per kg. The high price is eating into our profits. We must increase the prices of our dishes to break even. If this continues, we might have to cut down on the quantity or look for alternatives,” said Rabindra Sahu, a dahibara-aludam vendor in the city.
The potato crisis across the state, which began a few days ago due to a disruption in supply from West Bengal, has led to a sharp rise in prices of this kitchen essential.
According to sources, the state govt’s move to cap the retail price at Rs 32-34 per kg has escalated the crisis as retailers have refused to sell at the capped price.
“There is sufficient stock of potatoes in the godowns, and no trader is engaged in black marketing or hoarding. However, the retailers are buying at Rs 32 per kg, so if they sell at the same price, they will incur losses. The govt must revise the price of potatoes in retail markets to at least Rs 37 per kg,” said Sudhakar Panda, secretary of Odisha Byabasayee Sangha.
Food supplies and consumer welfare minister Krushna Chandra Patra said, “The market is slowly stabilising, and the situation has improved in most parts of the state. We are working on a long-term solution to this problem. My department is going to call for a joint meeting with the agriculture department to devise a strategy to ensure that such a crisis do not occur in the future.”

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