The Dehradun District Magistrate (DM) Ashish Kumar Srivastava has appealed the people not to panic and shop unnecessarily due to the State-wide lockdown. According to him, some people are buying the items in more quantities than needed which is creating panic among others. This in turn appears as an opportunity for some shopkeepers to take advantage of such situations. For the last few days, the market price of vegetables, fruits and other ration items have been consistently rising in the city. According to a Raipur resident Anu Chaudhary, "The prices of vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes and some fruits have hiked from Rs 10 toRs 15 in just two days. The vendors always say buy now when you can or you might not get the items tomorrow. We have to buy at whatever rates they sell because we really cannot run to multiple shops to cross check the prices during the time window of 7 AM to 10 AM. The government should at least ensure the selling of products at appropriate rates."Talking about this, Dehradun DM Srivastava said that there is sufficient supply of essential food and other items in the district but people are buying more than they need due to panic and rumours. He said the required action is being taken against the hoarders and shopkeepers who sell the products for more than the maximum retail price (MRP). Further, the city magistrate Anuradha Pal said, the shopkeepers have been asked to display a rate list for the customers and those who do not follow it will face action. However, the problem of hiked price is being faced mostly in small shops in colonies, therefore, the district administration will deploy some volunteers in the colonies to check out the appropriate sale of grocery items in such shops but in the meantime, the people also need to be vigilant while shopping, said Pal.