Panic buying hits Odisha markets as Cyclone Dana approaches, officials ordered to raid for illegal vegetable hoarding
India's eastern coast is bracing for a potential cyclone name cyclone Dana as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify on the night of October 24 or early October 25. With this development, concerns are already sparking panic buying and driving prices up in the region.
As the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a cyclone potentially making landfall along the Odisha coast, panic buying has gripped local markets.
People are rushing to stock up on food supplies, fearing shortages and disruptions in the coming days.
This rush has driven prices up dramatically across various markets in the state.
At Chhatra Bazaar in Cuttack, one of Odisha's largest vegetable markets, potato prices have spiked from Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kilogram within a day.?
Similarly, onion prices have soared from Rs 40 to Rs 60 per kilogram.?
The trend extends to other vegetables as well; in Bhubaneswar, tomatoes are now selling for between Rs 80 and Rs 100 per kilogram.
Prices for other commonly used vegetables like beans, brinjal, ladyfinger, and cauliflower have also jumped, with some varieties experiencing an increase of Rs 10 to Rs 20 per kilogram due to the sudden surge in demand.
Traders report that the increased buying pressure has put a strain on supplies, which further contributes to the price escalation.
In response to the situation, Odisha's Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, Krushna Chandra Patra, has issued warnings against unethical market practices.?
"I have directed our departmental officials to conduct raids on markets to check illegal hoarding of vegetables," he said.
The minister has also urged the public not to panic buy, assuring them that the state has an adequate supply of vegetables and food items.
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