LPG at ₹1,800, petrol at ₹170: Why prices of key daily items skyrocketed in THIS state. Explained
2 min read 25 May 2023, 12:18 PM ISTTruck movement towards the Imphal Valley was disrupted as roadblocks and apprehension among transporters arose amidst clashes in Manipur. So, the stock of essential supplies in the state dwindled and began to reach critical levels, a defence official said.
PremiumThe ethnic violence in Manipur over the past three weeks has led to a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities. The state's dependence on imports from outside has been affected, resulting in products being sold at double the usual prices. Even basic items such as rice, potato, onion, eggs, LPG cylinders, and petrol are being sold well above the government-set rates.
“Earlier, one 50 kg bag of superfine rice costs ₹900 but now it has gone up to ₹1,800. Prices of potatoes and onions also increased by ₹20 to ₹30. In general, prices for all the essential commodities brought from outside have gone up," said Manglembi Chanam, a government school teacher in Imphal West district as quoted by PTI.
She said LPG cylinders are being sold in the black market for ₹1,800, while a litre of petrol costs ₹170 in many parts of Imphal West district.
“Prices of eggs have increased as well, with one crate containing 30 eggs costing ₹300 instead of the usual ₹180. Were it not for the security forces escorting trucks carrying essential commodities, the price rise would have been more. Even potatoes had reached ₹100 per kilo before security forces came into the scene," Chanam said.
Some people also said prices of tobacco products too have risen manyfold. Even the areas that are not much affected by the violence are seeing a significant rise in prices.
Why there is a sharp rise in prices in Manipur?
Truck movement towards the Imphal Valley was disrupted as roadblocks and apprehension among transporters arose amidst clashes in Manipur. The clashes ensued following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
“As a result, the stock of essential supplies in the state dwindled and began to reach critical levels which resulted in planning movement through NH 37," a defence official said.
Movement of trucks on NH 37 commenced on May 15 and security forces remain committed to restoring complete normalcy, the spokesperson said.
An official of the consumer affairs department said the government fixes prices from time to time and anyone selling products at higher rates is liable to be punished.
The state government has issued a list of revised wholesale and retail prices of as many as 18 food items days after the violence broke out.
(With inputs from agencies)
