Bhubaneswar: Taking cognizance of the recent surge in prices of essential commodities for consumers, the state Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Khushna Chandra Patra on Sunday reviewed the present situation in the state.

The minister has directed the departmental officials to ensure that consumers have access to essential goods at affordable and reasonable prices and has mandated stringent measures against deceitful and dishonest traders.

The Food Supply Minister has asked the departmental officers to remain vigilant and prevent unscrupulous traders from exploiting consumer goods prices within the state, though it has been a national issue.

In response, the supplies department officials are inspecting major markets across the state, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Sambalpur, Puri and others.

Additionally, Collectors of all districts have been tasked by the department to oversee the trading of essential commodities and district supplies officers have been directed to submit their reports to the department.