Agartala: August 25: In the wake of recent floods, market prices have surged significantly over the past two days. Essential commodities, including raw materials, fish, meat, fruits, and vegetables, have seen abnormal price increases. The Sadar subdivision administration has struggled to control the situation, despite directives from the minister.
Vegetable prices in the market now range from Rs 60 to Rs 300 per kilogram. For example, low-quality potatoes are selling at Rs 40 per kilogram, while higher-quality potatoes are priced at Rs 55-60. Onions are selling at Rs 60-70 per kilogram, tomatoes at Rs 100, bitter gourd at Rs 70-80, bottle gourd at Rs 120-150 per piece, chili at Rs 300-400 per kilogram, ginger at 120-130 taka per kilogram, and garlic at Rs 250-280 per kilogram. Similarly, fish and meat prices have also risen sharply, with katla fish selling at Rs 500-600 per kilogram, koi fish at Rs 1000, and rui fish at Rs 400-500 per kilogram.
Some traders have been accused of exploiting the flood situation for profit. Despite the minister’s orders to control the market and prevent price hikes, the administration’s efforts have been largely ineffective. Announcements are made twice a day, and journalists are called to create a positive image, but these actions have not alleviated the situation.
On Sunday morning, a raid was conducted at the Battala market, the second largest market in Agartala, led by Sadar subdivision magistrate Manik Lal Das. The presence of the administrative team prompted some traders to reduce their prices slightly. However, undercover market raids could have been more effective in catching unscrupulous traders. The magistrate stated that there is an adequate supply of food items in the market, with potatoes selling at Rs 40 per kilogram and onions at Rs 55-60 per kilogram. Despite these measures, public dissatisfaction remains high due to the uncontrolled price hikes.
