Essential commodity prices must be kept in check

Steady increase in Coronavirus cases in the country has caused panic to spread among some people. This has resulted in the closing down of educational institutions to prevent students from having contact with large numbers of people lest they should contract the virus and suffer from Covid-19. However, with the holy month of Ramadan just one month away, this virus is not helping the situation on the kitchen markets of the country. Already there is a tendency amongst sellers to increase the price of essential commodities and one can only guess which way the situation will go once Ramadan arrives.

Under such condition and crises it is imperative for the dealers of essential goods to contain the price of commodities as much as possible. In cities, there have been dispersed incidents of citizens stockpiling food and other essential commodities at home for the impending lockdown of the country and for going into self isolation. This has adverse impact on the food economy of the country as some people will get more than others through this. Also, this might see the advent of syndicates that might try to profit from the misery of the country.

 and for going into self isolation

A report published in this daily states that Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said that the stock, supply and prices of the essential commodities in the market are normal. So, there is no need to go for panic buying of the commodities due to COVID-19. However, panic buying has already started and the government hasn’t yet taken any concrete step to prohibit such actions. Already the country has a huge stock in view of the coming Ramadan.

Stocks of different essential commodities, including oil, pulse, onion, garlic and salt are abundant. Also, the overall stock in this year is around 40 percent more than the previous year. Still, the government should take responsibility and ensure that no panic buying of goods takes place. This can do more harm than any good to the country and her people.