As clouds clear up, traders in Vizag make hay
VISAKHAPATNAM: Hudhud, the cyclone named after the national bird of Israel, has given wings to prices of essential commodities here.
A can of drinking water, which otherwise costs Rs 30-35, was sold for a staggering Rs 60 in the city on Monday. An egg that usually costs Rs 3-4 was sold for Rs 8-10.
Taking advantage of the complete blackout of power and mobile network in the city, some sold newspapers for as much as Rs 15 a copy! Milk, the most essential commodity, was priced at Rs 50 a packet, up from the normal Rs 24.
Diesel too has become a premium commodity given the power blackout in the city and the urgent need to run generators.
The few petrol stations that were open charged Rs 30-40 more than the normal price for the fuel. Same is the case with petrol.
Residents of the city had no option, but to stand patiently in serpentine queues either for fuel or groceries, knowing fully well that they were being fleeced.
The demand for newspapers was such that the Seethammapeta Junction was blocked with surging crowds outside a news stand. The seller was more than glad to make a fast buck, selling dailies at Rs 15 a copy.
People were understandably angry with the prices of essential commodities and complained against the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) authorities for failing to provide even drinking water and other basic amenities, though the cyclone had passed and rains subsided in the city.
'Shopkeepers are fleecing us. They demand Rs 60 per can of drinking water! Where are the GVMC water tanks, which are supposed to provide water to us,' fumed P Rohit, a BPO employee at Maddilapalem.
Several denizens have nothing, but complaints against the authorities, who failed to check black marketing of the essential commodities.
Meanwhile, officials in Hyderabad warned of stern action against traders who resorted to hiking of prices of essential commodities. People were asked to report any such incidents on toll free number 1100.
At the few petrol stations that were open, people had to wait for hours. Due to shortage of diesel and petrol, many had to return home pushing their vehicles through the debris-strewn roads.
News Posted: 14 October, 2014
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