The cash crisis post demonetisation has led to rise in prices of essential commodities like flour, oil, and pulses. Price of flour has shot up by 22-30 per cent while oil has become dearer by 10 to 20 per cent, in retail markets, including malls, Big Bazar.
A 5-kg wheat flour packet (of different varieties), which was sold for Rs 180 is now at Rs 240 whereas as fortified wheat flour which was at Rs 320 for 5 kg has now gone up to Rs 380. Traders said the wholesale price of wheat flour has increased by Rs 300-400 per quintal.
Shop keepers in residential areas said sales have been affected and on contrary, prices of these goods have also increased.
However, some of the customers are having different narrative as they alleged that we after demonetisation started buying goods on credit for the past few days because initially we did not have any option.
Those who deal in wheat flour at Khari Baoli said the supply has been hit hard because of cash scarcity that further led to commodity scarcity therefore we have increased prices on the goods available with us.
“The rate of rice and pulses has not been changed but still I found that local kirana shops are selling different varieties of rice for Rs 10 to Rs 30 more,” said Dinesh Kumar, a wholesaler of rice and pulses at Naya Gaun (Khari Baoli) and resident of Rohini.
“We used to buy flour at 21 per kg and sell it for Rs 22. Now are buying it for Rs 27 and selling it for 29,” a Kirana Owner in Wazirabad Village said.
Additionally a litre of Fortune Oil was bought at Rs 85 and sold for Rs 110, is now being cost Rs 122.
A local retailer at Nehru Vihar said, “Supply of goods was supposed to come this morning but as informed now it will come tomorrow.
This is why the prices have risen and or sales have dropped to 80 per cent.”
Although prices in essential commodities
is not only increased in local markets but even Big Bazaar in V3S mall at laxmi Nagar was selling a litre oil for Rs 122 to Rs 135 depending on
the quality.
While Amit Gupta, owner of Gupta Kirana Bhandar at laxmi Nagar said, “I am selling mustard oil at Rs 120 to Rs 140 depending on quality and brand. The sudden price rise is a result of increased rates in wholesale markets. Earlier we sold it at Rs 110.”