In the wake of a warning about cyclonic storm Hudhud hitting Odisha coast by October 12 noon, traders in the city here and in some parts of the coastal districts tried to make hay. They suddenly hiked prices of essential commodities as scary people resorted to panic buying.
Potato literally vanished from the market and prices of flattened rice and onion skyrocketed as the market spun out of control.
Hoarding by some unscrupulous traders led to artificial shortage of essential commodities and their spiralling prices. The price of potato, which was Rs 22 on Tuesday morning, shot up to Rs 35 and was expected to reach Rs 40 to Rs 50 by Thursday.