Keeping in view the impending cyclonic storm Hudhud hitting southern part of the State on October 12 noon, people of the Silk City have resorted to panic buying, as a result of which traders on Thursday hiked prices of essential commodities manifold taking advantage of the situation.
Due to hoarding and black-marketing by traders, potato and flattened rice have been vanished from the city market. The price of potato, which was Rs 28 a kg on Tuesday, shot up to Rs 50 on Thursday in retail market.
According to sources, only four potato trucks arrived at the city in the morning, but the consignments failed to meet the demand of buyers. Some shops created artificial shortage of potato and flattened rice by displaying “Out of stocks” boards.
In Thursday morning, people were seen standing in front of vending zones and wholesale shops at MKCG Square, Giri Market, Badabazaar and other parts of the city. Even some people and traders were engaged in altercation due to the sudden hike in prices of essential commodities.