Prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Manipur since ethnic violence started some three weeks ago, as import of products from outside the state has been affected, with several items being sold at double the normal price.

In most of the state, items such as rice, potato, onion and eggs besides LPG cylinders and petrol are selling at rates much above the ones fixed by government. “Earlier, 50 kg superfine rice cost R900 but now it costs Rs 1,800. Prices of potatoes and onions also increased by Rs 20 to Rs 30. Prices for essential commodities brought from out have gone up,” said Manglembi Chanam, a government school teacher. “Were it not for security forces escorting trucks carrying essential commodities, price rise would be more. Even potatoes  reached R100 a kilo before security forces came,” Chanam said.