Retail prices of almost all essential food items have increased in Assam since 2016, says Civil Supplies Minister

Guwahati, July 21 (NKTV): Retail prices of almost all essential food items have increased in Assam since 2016, with the rates for onion and mustard oil registering the highest spike, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Ranjit Kumar Dass informed the Assembly on Tuesday.

“Only the price of potato has remained constant, while that of Masur dal (small variety) has decreased” the minister said while replying to a starred question by Opposition Congress MLA Nurul Huda.

While the retail price per kg of onion in February 2016 was Rs 20 (minimum) and Rs 24 (maximum), it has increased to a minimum of Rs 42 and a maximum of Rs 45 in February 2021, the minister informed.

Similarly, the retail rate per litre of mustard oil was between Rs 80 and Rs 125 in February 2016, while it increased to Rs 140-Rs 165 in February 2021, and then to Rs 150-Rs 200 in June 2021.

The price of potato per kg at Rs 12 (minimum ) and Rs 14 (maximum) has remained constant during the period. However, the rate has increased between February 2021 to June 2021, to reach a minimum of Rs 17 and a maximum of Rs 23.

The retail price of Masur dal (small) has gone down from Rs 84 (minimum ) and Rs 110 (maximum ) in February 2016, to Rs 80 (minimum ) and Rs 100 (maximum). But in June 2021, prices of the item were higher than that of February this year and were at Rs 90 (minimum ) and Rs 102 (maximum).

On steps taken to check unnatural price rise, Dass informed that Enforcement Squads have been formed by the department in all districts.

A toll-free phone number (18003453611) is also available for consumers to complain about any unnatural price rise, black marketeering, etc., he added.

Inputs from PTI