Bhubaneswar: With the well-marked low-pressure area intensifying into a cyclone, panic buying has hit Odisha, leading to a surge in the price of essential commodities.
The prices of onions have skyrocketed, with rates increasing by Rs 15 per kilogram within a day.
In Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, people were seen buying onions, potatoes, sugar, and biscuits in large quantities on Tuesday morning. Onion prices, which were Rs 35 per kilogram and Rs 100 for three kilograms previously, increased to Rs 40-45 per kilogram in the morning and ₹50 per kilogram by evening on Monday.
In Balasore, the prices of vegetables such as brinjal, potato, cucumber, lady finger, onion, cauliflower, papaya and cabbage have increased to Rs 60, Rs 80, Rs 80, Rs 60, Rs 50, Rs 80, Rs 25, and ₹20 per kilogram, respectively.
Similarly, in Berhampur, tomato prices range from Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilogram, while brinjal, cauliflower, beans, and onion prices are Rs 70, Rs 100, Rs 120, and Rs 60 per kilogram, respectively.
In Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazaar, potato, lady finger, brinjal, cucumber, onion, and tomato prices have risen to Rs 80, Rs 60, Rs 50, Rs 60, Rs 70, and Rs 80 per kilogram, respectively.
The price hike has increased concerns among consumers, who are worried about the rising costs of essential commodities.
To address the issue, the supply department will hold a meeting, which may result in curbs being imposed to control prices.
Traders, meanwhile, attribute the price hike to reduced supply and increased demand.
A wholesale trader said, “On Monday morning, onion bags were sold at Rs 1,200 per quintal, which increased to Rs 1,400-1,500 per quintal by evening. Retail prices have increased, and we are making less profit.”
On the other hand, the Malgodam Traders’ Association has assured that there is enough stock of essential commodities for the next 10 days and advised people not to panic buy.
It is learnt that a reduced supply of onions from other states has exacerbated the issue. Normally, 20-22 trucks of onions arrive in Bhubaneswar daily, but only 10-12 trucks have arrived in the last two days. In Cuttack, the supply has dropped from 6-7 trucks to 3-4 trucks per day.
In Cuttack’s urban haat, onions were sold at Rs 40-45 per kilogram in the morning and Rs 50 per kilogram by evening. Similarly, potato prices have also increased.
The price hike has left us reeling, and the state government’s inaction has raised concerns, alleged consumers.
