No control over price hike in Guwahati markets

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Consumers of Guwahati and other areas in the State feel the pinch of the sudden hike in prices of all commodities – from mustard oil to chillies. And this sudden upsurge in prices is a 'gift' to the consumers after the relaxations of COVID-induced lockdown.

A reality check in Guwahati markets shows as to how the consumers have been made to pay through their noses. A plate of eggs (containing 30 eggs) that was sold at Rs 130 till July 22 is now sold at Rs 170. A pair of eggs is now sold at Rs 12-14. Egg traders say that they are not at the helm of affairs in fixing prices. "Since eggs are imported from Haryana and Andhra Pradesh, we just add our profits to the price tag fixed at the sources," a wholesaler here said.

The prices of mustard oil are something to worry about. Packaged mustard oil brands that were sold at Rs 145 per litre till recently are now sold at Rs 158. A few wholesalers predict that prices of these brands of mastered oil may be Rs 170 per litre soon. Another brand that was sold at Rs 129 per litre is now sold at Rs 135, and it is tending to be Rs 150, traders here say.

This is not the case of mustard oil alone. The process of all packaged items have surged after the beginning of the unlock. In every item, a difference of at least Rs 10 per pack is glaringly visible.

For the first time onion and potato are sold at the same price in Guwahati. Both the commodities are sold at more than double their earlier prices. The two commodities are sold at Rs 40-50 per kg now. Onion and potato wholesalers here say that there have been rise in prices at the sources.

The prices of vegetables are no better either. While ridge gourd (jika) is sold at Rs 70-80 per kg, lady's finger is sold at Rs 70-90 per kg, brinjal at Rs 60-70 per kg, tomato at Rs 100-120 per kg, potol at Rs 60-70 per kg, squash at Rs 60-70 per kg and green chilies at Rs 240 per kg.

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