Cyclone Dana: Food Supplies dept raids markets in Cuttack amid panic buying

The fear of possible cyclone Dana has resorted to panic buying among the people resulting in a noticeable surge in the prices of vegetables and kitchen essentials at various markets across Odisha.

Potato, which was being sold at Rs 30 a kilo till yesterday, is currently priced at Rs 50 per kilo while onions have reached Rs 70 at Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack. 

With reports of panic buying and illegal hoarding and black marketing surfacing, the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department officials woke up from a deep slumber and off late, conducted raids at the godowns in Chhatra Bazaar.

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“After taking the feedback of people, we found potato is being sold at Rs 50 per kg in the retail market. Now, we are at the wholesale market and sought a detailed list to ascertain the cause of sudden price rise,” an official of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare department said.

Asked if the raid was carried out a bit late, the official said, “A team visited the market yesterday and inspected the situation. We have also warned the traders not to hike the price of the potato further.”

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The official has also urged the people to refrain from panic buying which may help check the price of the potato.

Asked if the department will come up with price capping for the cyclone, the official said, “The maximum retail rate of potato is Rs 40 per kilo. Action will be taken against those involved in the black marketing.”

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