Bhubaneswar: The officials of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department conducted raids in several markets in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on allegations of selling potatoes at exorbitant prices. The raids were carried out in Bhubaneswar’s Market No. 4 and Cuttack’s Chhatra Bazaar, where potatoes were being sold at Rs 40-50 per kg.
The officials warned shopkeepers if they continued to sell potatoes above the stipulated price, they would face action. The officials also directed shopkeepers to display rate charts.
The raids were prompted by reports of panic buying and exorbitant pricing in the retail market. However, supply department officials assured that there is adequate stock in the market. Five trucks loaded with potatoes arrived in Cuttack, while 10-12 trucks reached Bhubaneswar’s Aiginia Market today.
The wholesale price of potatoes from Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal ranges from Rs 3500 to Rs 3800 per quintal. Supply official Rajalakshmi Patra attributed the exorbitant pricing to panic buying, assuring that the situation would be brought under control soon.
