SHILLONG: Spiralling food prices continue to haunt consumers, more so now after the recent hike in diesel, kerosene and LPG prices. This is the second time in 2011 that the Union Government has increased prices of fuel. This has hit consumers very hard. According to Index Mundi, a firm that measures inflation rates (consumer prices), the present annual inflation rate in the country is 11.70 per cent whereas the annual inflation rate in 2003 was just 5.40 per cent. Speaking to a cross section of society, it is learnt that prices of every commodity has gone up three to four times in the last few years after the UPA government took charge of the country. An agent of a private insurance firm said that though he can afford the prices of vegetables in Iewduh, it becomes unaffordable for him once it reaches the other markets of the town. “Most vegetables like brinjal, cabbage, beans etc., are reasonably priced in Iewduh but they are cost almost double in Laitumkhrah and Polo,” he said.
Food prices are a matter of grave concern for the common people, especially daily wage earners.
“It is not possible for everyone, particularly those who stay far away to visit Iewduh, a wholesale market for their essential commodities. The government should open up such markets in other locations of the town too so that people may not have to depend on Iewduh only,” said a resident of Mawpun.
“Consumers have every right to seek modulation of the taxation structure on oil products to limit increase in fuel prices,” said a teacher of Economics while adding that fuel prices regulates food prices.
She is echoed by another professor who said that this syndrome has risen due to the increasing profit motive of corporations, the world over for which the commoners — who may have no direct role — are suffering.
Meanwhile, Laitumkhrah continues to be the sellers’ market even as buyers are at the receiving end.
“Middle class families are bearing the brunt of the painful spike in prices due to the galloping inflation rate which has squeezed us,” said a housewife.
People by and large have echoed that their entire salaries get evened out by food, children’s school fees and fuel. They say there is nothing left by the end of the month for any savings.
“How can one even think of small savings when grocery items are selling over Rs 100 a kg and all vegetables at Rs 20 for a powa (250 gms)” said a hosiery store employee.
Many consumers feel that price of fuel should be decontrolled so that prices will be free to fall or rise.
“Since this region is dependent on road for transportation of commodities, such decontrolling measures will help since public is bearing the brunt of food prices and other commodities here than anywhere else,” they said.