Imphal: The Manipur government clamped down on rising costs today. Officials issued a directive fixing wholesale and retail price ceilings for 18 essential food items. This mandate hits Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, and Kakching districts immediately. Sellers in Churachandpur and Pherzawl must add a four-rupee premium to these listed rates.
The Secretariat order, labeled No. EC-103/1/2021-CAFANDPD-CAF&PD, relies on the Essential Commodities Act of 1955. Traders cannot charge above the government figures. Establishments must hang these price lists in plain sight for shoppers to see. Officials will update the rates based on market supply changes.
Price lists cover common staples. Grade-I Matar sits at 70 rupees per kilo, while Matar dal hits 76. Old potatoes cost 28 rupees, but new ones cost 30. White onions are 50 rupees and red ones 53. Sugar scales from 76 to 78 rupees depending on the grade. Masur dal varies from 90 to 150 rupees per kilo. Arhar dal fluctuates between 130 and 142 rupees, while Moong dal sits at 120 or 125 rupees. Atta and maida stay flat at 50 rupees. Andhra Permal rice costs 58 rupees and UP rice costs 55. Garlic prices range from 190 to 260 rupees, and Kala dal caps out at 150.
Mustard oil and other cooking oils fall under specific per-tin pricing. Salt remains locked to the official maximum retail price. The move aims to curb exploitation during the festive season. Controller Y. Nelson Singh of the Legal Metrology Department is leading a separate charge. His team is currently inspecting scales and packages across the state. The department stated the drive aims to "ensure compliance with Legal Metrology standards, and safeguard consumer interests." Consumers should report any merchant demanding more than the government-posted price.
Comments