Cuttack: In a bid to curb the alleged sale of potatoes at inflated rates, officials from the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department conducted a series of raids at Chhatra Bazar in Cuttack today.
The raids come in response to numerous complaints from consumers about skyrocketing potato prices, which have reportedly reached as high as ₹50 per kilogram in some areas.
The department’s swift action aims to address concerns of price gouging and illegal hoarding by traders. “We have received multiple reports of potatoes being sold at exorbitant prices. Our teams are on the ground to ensure that traders adhere to fair pricing practices,” said a senior official from the department.
During the raids, officials inspected several stalls and warehouses, checking for compliance with pricing regulations. They also warned traders against hoarding and black marketing, emphasizing that strict action would be taken against those found violating the rules.
The recent spike in potato prices has been attributed to supply disruptions caused by a ban on potato exports from West Bengal, leading to increased reliance on supplies from Uttar Pradesh. Despite the arrival of potato-laden trucks from UP, prices have remained high, prompting the department to intervene.
