The prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Srinagar with concerned Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution (CAPD) department failing to take any action in this regard.
The street vendors at few places in the morning markets are selling the essentials on exorbitant rates, leaving the shoppers to suffer.
Various business activities which takes place around Srinagar early morning continue to remain unattended by the officials of CAPD department.
The shoppers have accused the roadside vendors for charging exorbitant rates for the daily need commodities by taking an advantage of the prevailing situation in the Valley.
They said that the authorities have failed to depute their teams to the markets to take action against the vendors who are selling essential commodities to the shoppers on exorbitant rates.
The vendors in the morning market operating from 6 am to 9 am every day, are selling their stock at the cost of their own will.
Maarifan Gul, a shopper from Srinagar said, "The prices of essential commodities has increased to manifold due to the prevailing situation in the Valley but it is unfortunate that the authorities concerned have failed to act against the norm violators.”
He said, “The prices of essential commodities has gone too high and no one knows why as the issued rate lists are completely ignored by the sellers.”
Abdul Rahim Dar, a vegetable seller said, “The increase in prices is not charged by us as our rates purely depend upon our merchants who are operating in different Mandis.”
He said that the prevailing situation has incurred these extra costs in transportation, labour, and other charges are tuned into the final price of these commodities. He further added, “We have nothing to do with the high prices as we have the same profit of 2-5 rupees per kg and sometimes we suffer losses as well.” (KNO)