Port Blair: Chairman of the Campaign Committee of the Andaman and Nicobar Pradesh Congress Committee (ANTCC), TSG Bhasker, has urged the Andaman and Nicobar Administration to take immediate steps to address what he described as a shortage and abnormal increase in the prices of essential commodities across the Islands.
In a letter addressed to the Director, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Bhasker said prices of several essential commodities had increased significantly over the past few months, placing an additional financial burden on consumers.
According to Bhasker, the increase has affected a wide range of items, including grains, sugar, cooking oil, vegetables, fruits, other perishable goods, medicines, household necessities and appliances.
Potato prices cited as example
Highlighting what he described as the severity of the situation, Bhasker said the price of potato had reportedly reached as high as ₹180 per kg.
He said such increases were particularly affecting middle-class and economically weaker families already facing a high cost of living in the Islands.
Call for examination of price rise
Bhasker urged the Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department to examine the reasons behind the reported increase in prices.
He suggested that the Administration assess whether the situation was linked to factors including supply shortages, transportation costs, distribution-related issues or other causes.
He also called for regular and adequate supplies of essential commodities across the Islands and urged the Administration to take measures to bring prices back to what he described as reasonable and affordable levels.
“The people of Andaman & Nicobar Islands should not be forced to bear the burden of unchecked price rise and shortages of basic necessities. The Administration must urgently intervene and ensure that essential commodities remain available at reasonable prices,” Bhasker said.
Editorial note: This report is based on the statement/letter issued by TSG Bhasker. The reported ₹180-per-kg potato price, the extent of shortages and the causes of price increases have not been independently verified in this report.