No salt shortage; strong action against those spreading rumours: Hyderabad police

Hyderabad: Dismissing rumours of shortage of salt in the market, the Hyderabad Police on Saturday warned that strong action would be taken against those spreading such news.

"In social media, some rumours have been floating that there is acute shortage of common salt/table salt. Such news is absolutely false and baseless," a release from the Commissioner of Police said.

Adequate quantities of salt are available in the market in Hyderabad, it said, asking people not to believe such rumours. "Strong action will be initiated against those spreading these rumours," the release added.

Yesterday, lack of small denomination currency had triggered rumours of black marketing of essential commodities like salt as shopkeepers refused to provide change when offered with higher denomination notes.

In several states, there were reports of panicked customers flocking to market as rumours flew thick and fast that salt has gone out of shelves and shopkeepers are selling at a premium -- as high as Rs 200 per kg.