Bhubaneswar: Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Monday assured the public that the Odisha government is closely monitoring vegetable prices in Bhubaneswar and will take strict action against black marketing.
“The state government is fully aware of the situation. If black marketing occurs anywhere, strict action will be taken. No one can exploit consumers during this period. Cyclone Montha did not cause major damage, and people need not worry. I have already instructed Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Department officials to oversee the market and act swiftly if any violations are reported,” said Minister Krushna Chandra Patra while speaking to the media.
The minister’s remarks come amid a sharp rise in vegetable prices in the city. Tomatoes and brinjals, which were previously sold at Rs 60 per kg, have now risen to Rs 80 and above. Capsicum, earlier priced at Rs 80, has surged to Rs 160 per kg. Other vegetables have also seen a steep increase, with beans at Rs 120, bitter gourd at Rs 100, green parwal at Rs 90, and cucumber at Rs 100.
Patra emphasised that the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure market stability and protect consumers from profiteering during this period.
