Unscrupulous traders take advantage to hike prices on Ramadan

GUWAHATI, June 4: When the increasing of prices on petroleum products like petrol and diesel has been souring the state, the hiked prices on fruits and vegetables is adding salt to the wound. Since years, it has become quite traditional to some unscrupulous traders to syndicate the consumable goods and its prices keeping in mind the socio-religious fairs and festivals of the state. Hence, this syndicate takes advantage of the Ramadan, to increase prices on vegetables and fruits keeping in mind the large scale community feasts hosted during this mega occasions. Similarly, if the administration will not initiate preventive measures prior to the ensuing Ambubachi Mela, the phenomenon continue.

This year too, the syndicate has not abstained from this malpractice. Consequently, across different markets in Guwahati city, the vendors have increased the prices on various items of fruits and vegetables. As on Monday, the increased prices on vegetables were, potato Rs 22 to 25 a kg, onion Rs 25 a kg, tomato Rs 35 to 40 a kg, ridge gourd Rs 40 a kg, eggplant Rs 40 to 50 a kg, cucumber Rs 40 a kg, ladies finger Rs 40 a kg, pointed gourd Rs 60 a kg, bitter gourd and teasle gourd Rs 60 a kg, bean Rs 100 a kg, carrot Rs 100 to 120 a kg, chayote Rs 30 to 40 a kg and cabbage Rs 30 to 35 a kg.

On the other hand, the increased process on various fruits items as on Monday were, mango Rs 70 to 150 a kg, apple Rs 180 to 240 a kg, banana Rs 80 to 140 a dozen and pomegranate Rs 180 to 220 a kg.

Significantly, the district administration has been monitoring officials to take strict vigilance and regulation at various markets in and around the city. However, the readily hikes prices on these consumable goods are neither controlled nor properly regulated. Even the concerned Minister of Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs himself has inspected the market and committed to regulate the unnatural price hike in the state. Nevertheless, the State’s commitment has become an irony to the people of the state.