SHILLONG: The prices of essential commodity in the capital city of Shillong has steeped in the past few months due to various factors.
A survey carried out in the market revealed that potatoes in Iewduh (Bara Bazar) were being sold at a rate of Rs 15- Rs 20 per kg while price of onion is anywhere in the range of Rs 40 to Rs 45.
As far as tomatoes are concerned, it is being sold at a rate of Rs 40 – Rs 50 per kg and even cucumber is being sold at Rs 20-Rs 25 per kg.
Some shopkeepers said that the prices of the essential commodities literally shot up more since the railway connectivity to North East was cut off for some days due to heavy rain and flood in Bihar and West Bengal areas.
It was also opined that the prices of the essential commodity would be definitely reduced if Shillong was connected with goods train as essential commodities in the state were being transported by trucks.
Some wholesalers on the other hand also said that the situation in Shillong was slightly contained due to the availability of essential commodities in Assam and other North Eastern states or else there would have been a mayhem in Shillong.
It was also said that railway was the cheapest mode of transportation of essential commodities and transportation of the items by trucks cost almost double.
Another shopkeeper said that most of the local produces in the state exported to other states where the produces are sold at a very high rate. If local produce can be kept for local consumption, the situation would be definitely better.
Meanwhile, details of the District Level Price Monitoring Committee reveals that the price of potato as on June 21 this year was Rs 15 per kg and it continued to be Rs 15 in July as well but the price was increased to Rs 20 per kg as per the details of the committee on August 22.
Similarly, the price of red onion was Rs 20 to 25 in June and July but the prices shot up to Rs 42 in August. As far as sugar is concerned, the price of sugar per kg in June and July was Rs 49 but it increased to Rs 53 last month.
Even the price of loose mustard oil in June and July stood at Rs 90 per litre but it increased to Rs 92 last year The price of Andhra rice has increased from Rs 34.50 to Rs 37 in last three months while the prices of common as well as lahi rice stood at Rs 25 and Rs 27 respectively since last 3 months.
Speaking on the matter, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, (Supply) PS Dkhar said that committee monitored the price of essential commodities and reviewed the prices frequently besides it also ensured the availability of stocks in the district if there was any shortage of supply of items from other parts of the country. He also said that the committee was empowered to intervene if there was any overcharging by the shopkeepers.