Written by Sharadiya Mitra
Kolkata, May 12
Amid rising tensions on the western front of India, the West Bengal government has intensified its monitoring of local markets to curb illegal hoarding and artificially inflated prices of essential goods, such as vegetables, fish, eggs, and meats.
To the satisfaction thus far of the task force formed by the state government, prices of essential commodities have remained stable over the last four to five days in various markets of Kolkata and surrounding areas.
Essential vegetables are still being sold at regular prices: potatoes at Rs 20-22 per kg, ridge gourd at Rs 60 per kg, and pointed gourd at Rs 40-50 per kg for the Raidighi variety, with the normal variety available at Rs 30 per kg.
However, egg prices have increased in some markets in Kolkata, and some vegetable prices have risen in certain major markets as well, such as Koley Market and Sealdah Egg Market.
Fish prices have also remained stable. Catla is being sold at Rs 450-500 per kg (cut) and Rs 300-350 per kg (whole), Rohu at Rs 300-350 (cut) and Rs 280 (whole), butter catfish at Rs 400-450 per kg, and Tangra catfish at Rs 600-800 per kg. In the meat section, dressed chicken is priced at Rs 240-250 per kg, whole chicken at Rs 170-180 per kg, and mutton is selling for Rs 860-880 per kg.
On Saturday, the task force inspected major markets, including Koley Market, Sealdah Fish Market, and Baithakkhana Egg Market. On Monday, May 12, officials visited Ultadanga Wholesale Vegetable Market, KMC Market, and Muchibazar Fish and Egg Market. Authorities reported that the prices of fish, meat, eggs, and vegetables have remained largely unchanged, showing no significant variation from previous rates.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had convened a meeting with major dealers and task force members following the war-like situation created by tensions between India and Pakistan. The Chief Minister ordered the task force to monitor price hikes and illegal hoarding across markets.
Rabindranath Koley, a member of the task force, said, “Post-inspection of these markets, we are satisfied with the prevailing rates. Prices are in line with those at Koley Market and Baithakkhana Market.” He noted that a minor spike in onion prices at Ultadanga Market was detected but was promptly corrected to avoid further fluctuation.
Koley also assured that the task force remains on constant alert and will act swiftly against any attempts at price manipulation. With steady prices and vigilant oversight, the state administration is working to shield consumers from economic pressure during a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.
Sharadiya Mitra is an intern at the Indian Express