Price rise continues to hit people’s purses

Price rise continues to hit people’s purses

Price rise continues to hit people’s purses

A vegetable vendor attending to a customer at New Market area, Dimapur. There seems to be no end in sight for increasing prices of essential commodities especially vegetables. (Morung Photo) 


 

Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 10 


Unregulated rise in prices of essential commodities and vegetables seem to have added an extra chill to citizens of Dimapur bracing up for the onset of winter.


The rise in price is evident from a comparative look at the wholesale as well as retail rates of prices of essential commodities and vegetables in the commercial hub during October and November.


Wholesale rate of tomato per kg was Rs. 35-40 and onion Rs. 45-50 in first week of October and retail rates per kg were Rs. 60 and Rs. 65 respectively. This month the wholesale rate of tomato has gone up to Rs. 50 per kg and onion Rs. 65-70 and in retail outlets, tomato is sold at Rs. 70-80 per kg and onion Rs. 85-90 per kg.


Prices of other essential commodities like tea leaf and milk powder has also seen a surge. Wholesale rate of 1kg tea leaf (Maza Gold) with MRP Rs. 275 is Rs. 250 and that of 1 kg milk powder (Everyday MRP Rs.415) is Rs.375. The wholesale price of eggs (1 carton/7 plates) has gone up to Rs. 1070.


On increase in prices of essential commodities, especially vegetables, a wholesale dealer claimed that the increase in prices was throughout the country caused by poor harvest and short supply. Earlier this week, the Centre decided to import onions from four countries to augment domestic supplies. Prices of onion have been soaring throughout the country due to supply disruptions, which government attributed to rain and two cyclones.


While in the case of onion or goods carrying MRP, the price rise is understandable or at least explainable, however in Dimapur, abrupt fluctuations in prices of commodities and goods is mainly attributed to the “syndicate system” and business monopoly by vested interest groups and individuals in connivance with some wholesale dealers.


Sources said almost every item in the market, be it perishable or non-perishable, is being sold through the syndicate system at the cost of fair trade and pricing. Recently, the Dimapur Poultry Farmers’ Association (DPFA) had in a representation to the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur, claimed that though the syndicate system has been “theoretically banned”, but it continues to exist in the market.


DPFA alleged that local poultry farmers were not being allowed to sell directly to the retailers and further alleged that five-six companies along the Assam-Nagaland border “controls price based on monopoly system.”


“Buying vegetables like onion and tomato may bring tears to your eyes or make your face go red, but despite the soaring prices one is compelled to buy them as any decent meal must include these two items”, a housewife said on a lighter note.
Despite the district administration's assurance, the municipal council is yet to put up boards displaying the price list (wholesale and retail rates) in major markets.