Prices of commodities shoot up
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 19 2013 :
With supply of commodities to Manipur remaining blocked since July 8 due to a massive landslide at Phesema in Nagaland, prices of essential commodities in the State has sky-rocketed with black-marketeers' ruling the roost.
A litre of petrol now cost Rs 120 and that of diesel is Rs 90 or more in black market in Imphal.
Just after the four-day long agitation launched by Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) since July 8, a massive landslide that occurred at Phesama area of Nagaland has virtually cut off the supply line to Manipur.
On account of the landslide, Manipur bound goods trucks have been stranded in Nagaland.
Since the damaged portion of the National Highway 2 will not be possible to be repaired during this rainy season as per the authorities' decision, there has been panic buying of essential commodities in the state capital Imphal.
With pumps remaining closed their business since yesterday save for a couple of pumps, black marketeers are doing brisk business as the state government is choosing to close its eyes on the development.
Reports said that a filled LPG cylinder is sold anything between Rs 1000 and Rs 1500 in black market.
Speculations are doing the round that in the next few days the cost of the same commodity may cross Rs 2000 mark.
The availability of the cooking gas is also a matter of concern now.
In the next few days, all the activities are likely to be affected due to non-availability of fuel.
Whenever there is long blockade, functioning of schools and offices too are usually badly hit as transportation has become a big problem.
Meanwhile, it is the poor section of the society that is going to be hit hard as the prices of essential commodities are fast shooting up.