Recent raids in the city reveal the ugly face of retailers who have been hoarding essential food items, leading to their unavailability and soaring prices
Recent raids in the city reveal the ugly face of retailers who have been hoarding essential food items, leading to their unavailability and soaring prices
It's not just erratic rainfall, an accompanying drought and lower agricultural produce that are burning holes in your pocket when it comes to basic food items.
Big traders, who ironically offer the 'cheapest' rates, are the real reason behind soaring prices.
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Some of them have been hoarding essential commodities, revealed recent raids by the Food, Civil Services and Consumer Protection Department (FCSCPD).
Pulses:
Max: 10 lakh kilos
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Rice:
Max: 5 lakh kilos
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Retailer:
Sugar:
Max 20,000 kilos
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Rice:
Max: 20,000 kilos
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Pulses:
Max: 50,000 kilos
Under the Essential Commodities Act 1959, punishment for minor irregularities include, 50 per cent of license fee and fine; average irregularities include, full license fee and temporary suspension of license, while major irregularities include, suspension of license and a FIR is lodged against the retailer.
Buyers speak
I am forced to cut down on my shopping list due to rising prices. If the traders are piling up stock how will we eat?
Hema Lakhani, a resident of Vikhroli
The recession has hit our household budget. If part of the reason is because stores have been hoarding foodgrains, the guilty should be punished.
Rita Agarwal, a Juhu resident
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The Other Side
Big Bazaar
Atul Takle, head of corporate communications, Big Bazaar agreed that officials had conducted a check, but denied that they had sealed any excess material.
"They had come for a regular check during our Mahabachat scheme but no stock was sealed or seized," said Takle.
Shoprite Hyper, Mulund
Said it was company policy not to speak to the media. "Our store has thousands of footfalls every day.
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It becomes very difficult for us to tell our consumers that we do not have stock. It is therefore necessary that a big store like us will keep some extra stock to meet demands," said an official on the basis of anonymity.
D Mart, Powai
"We won't be able to speak on this as the matter is in court."
Magnet Mall, Mahim
Nobody from the store was available for comment despite repeated attempts.
Metro Cash and Carry India
Nobody from the stores was available for comment despite repeated attempts over two days.
Prices of the commodities
Tur dal:
August: Per Kg: Rs 90
July: Per Kg: Rs 100
Sugar:
August: Per Kg: Rs 35
July: Per Kg: Rs 27
Rice:
August: Rs 80- 130
July: Rs 70- 120
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