KAKINADA: It had been mainly a story of long queues at petrol bunks so far. But now, people are making a beeline to purchase their stock of edible oils as well as other essentials. Such panic buying is creating a shortage of essentials, particular edible oils.
In this regard, Konaseema district Civil Supplies Officer (CSO) Adapa Uday Bhaskar convened a meeting with the area Chamber of Commerce, oil merchants, traders, and kirana shop owners on Friday at Amalapuram.
Uday Bhaskar said there are sufficient quantities of edible oils and other essentials available. He asked people to avoid buying because of panic, as there are sufficient quantities of oil available. He instructed all edible oil refining units to register themselves with authorities and submit regular production and sales’ reports without fail.
The CSO said in accordance with the central government’s directives, AP Civil Supplies commissioner K. Kannababu has issued several orders to keep the prices of essential commodities under control and safeguard the interests of consumers. He warned that strict action would be taken against those involved in illegal hoarding of essential goods, creating artificial shortages, or selling items at exorbitant prices.
Uday Bhaskar pointed out that stocking essential commodities beyond the prescribed limit is a punishable offense. Cases would be registered under various sections of the law against individuals who artificially hoard goods and sell them at inflated rates.
The CSO said a watch is being kept on current market prices. At the same time, all stakeholders, including wholesalers, retailers, large chain retailers, mill owners, and importers are required to mandatorily declare details of their stocks on a weekly basis through the designated stock portal.
Those who attended the meeting included District Marketing Officer K. Visalakshi, Amalapuram Varthaka Sangham leader K. Ramakrishna, K. Venkata Reddy, G. Mutyala Rao, and K. Nagaraju.
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