BERHAMPUR: With Odisha traders stopping import of pulses and wheat products, Ganjam district administration today warned wholesalers and retailers of action if it found any hoarding and abnormal rise in the prices of these commodities.
People apprehend that there may be shortage of these products in the market due to indefinite strike by All Odisha Traders' Association (AOTA). AOTA official Rabindra Nath the association has appealed to traders not to take advantage of the situation and increase prices.
He said the stock of pulses with traders in the city will last seven to eight days. The administration allayed the fears. "There is no need to panic. Traders have sufficient stocks to cater to the need of Berhampur for time being," said Sub-Collector (Berhampur), Nikhil Pawan Kalyan. The sub-collector held a meeting with wholesalers, officials of Ganjam Chamber of Commerce and civil supplies officials yesterday to take stock of the situation following strike by traders demanding removal of 5 per cent VAT on these commodities.
"The market intelligence officer will check prices of pulses and wheat products from time to time," said district civil supplies officer, Nilakantha Mohanty.