Odisha Consumer Welfare Minister blames Russia-Ukraine war for price rise 

The inflation experienced presently and the skyrocketing prices of essential commodities in Odisha are due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, claimed the State Minister of Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Ranendra Pratap Swain on Saturday.

Swain said the economic condition outside the country has been affecting the financial condition inside the county. “Due to the Russia and Ukraine war, the supply chain has largely been affected across the world. The supply chain of goods from China has also snapped,” said Swain. 

In order to get out of the present situation, Swain suggested that the centre should hold discussions with all the states with respect to reducing tax and cess.

Regarding the soaring prices of vegetables, Swain said, “We usually depend on other states for various vegetables. In those places, the production has been affected due to adverse weather conditions. We are feeling the pinch due to these reasons.”

Presently, consumers in the State are struggling with the rising prices of broiler chicken and tomato. With the chicken selling at Rs 280/300 a kilogram, for non-veg lovers, relishing non-veg items has become a costly affair. Similarly, housewives have started skimping on use of tomato to adjust their budget.