NIZAMABAD: Taking advantage of lockdown restrictions, some traders have increased prices of essential commodities abnormally in Nizamabad district. Vegetable prices have also been skyrocketing in the district for the last three days. Citing transportation problems, wholesale and retail traders have increased prices of almost every commodity during the four-hour relaxation period. This exploitation is also prevalent in supermarkets and vegetable markets.
The wholesale rate of tomato is Rs 2 per kg but it costs Rs 20 in the retail market. Chillies and brinjal are being sold at Rs 18 per kg in wholesale while it is Rs 40 per kg in retail. Onion prices have more than doubled from Rs 12 per kg to Rs 25 per kg. Even the price of the common variety of rice has seen an increase and is being sold at Rs 50 per kg.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Mahesh, a retailer, said that they were forced to increase prices due to shortage of supply. In view of the pandemic, people are opting for eggs and lemon, both of which are priced Rs 6 each, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, commodities like rice, dal, oils and vegetables are being imported from Maharashtra and Karnataka. Vegetables grown in Nizamabad district cannot suffice the local demand. As a result, wholesalers are procuring them from Hyderabad and other markets. Some farmers from Dharmabad taluka in Nanded district are bringing vegetables for sale in Nizamabad.
However, the district administration is unable to initiate action against errant traders. Marketing, civil supplies, weights and measurement and food safety officials should take up regular inspection of shops to ensure quality products and reasonable prices. People hoped that if officials carry out raids on illegal businesses, prices could be stabilized, sooner than later.
