Prices of essentials skyrocket in Bandipora, Consumers seek authorities’ attention

KNO Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 10 (KNO): Since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan in Bandipora, the prices of all essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables, have skyrocketed. Consumers are expressing concern over the administration’s failure to check prices.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the agitated consumers have accused the authorities of leaving them at the mercy of profiteers and hoarders. They have pointed out that shopkeepers and street vendors are busy fleecing poor customers, as there is no mechanism in place to curb overpricing.

Meat sellers have closed their shops for the past month and are selling meat at exorbitant rates of up to Rs 700 per kg, with impunity, as the administration has failed to act against these erring traders.

One consumer, Showket Ahmad Wani, has pointed out that no shopkeeper or street vendor is bothering to comply with the rate list issued by the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) department. “Bananas are being sold at Rs 130-180 a dozen, and Saag at Rs 80,” he said. He added that the wholesalers are equally responsible for the sky-high rates.

The other consumers said that local bread makers and retailers have increased prices at their own whims and fancies, with market checking squads not visible in the markets. They have further alleged that no essential commodity is being sold at the rates fixed by the government.

“The prices of essential commodities, including fruits and vegetables, have witnessed a hike, and common people are being pushed to the wall,” said Jahangeer Ahmad.

According to the FCS&CA rate list, the price of potatoes has been fixed at Rs 18 (white potato) and Rs 22 per kilogram (red potato), onions at Rs 22 per kg, and tomatoes at Rs 26 per kg.

The price of Saag has been fixed at Rs 50 per kg. The price of bananas, depending on their quality, has been fixed at Rs 80 and Rs 120 per dozen. However, consumers argue that these prices are rarely adhered to. In different markets in Bandipora, tomatoes are being sold at Rs 60 a kg, beans at Rs 80, potatoes at Rs 50, and chicken at 150-160 per kg.

Mohammad Arif, another consumer, said that he had bought a tray of eggs containing two and a half dozen eggs for Rs 150, while yesterday the same tray cost him Rs 190. Vegetable sellers have no rate lists, and they have hiked the prices of locally grown vegetables such as nadru, turnip, and radish. Meanwhile, the administration is passing the buck.

Local residents have said that the government has failed to put market checking squads in place, resulting in a hike in the prices of essential commodities.

An official of the Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in Bandipora said that market checking is being conducted to curb overpricing. Joint teams have been formed to implement government rates and take action against violators.

The official also urged locals to cooperate with the government by paying only government prices and identifying violators so that action can be taken against them—(KNO)