Panic buying leads to traffic snarls, price hike
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 23 2020: Panic rush to buy essential commodities and fuel caused traffic snarls on many roads and markets of Imphal city and surrounding areas were overcrowded before curfew and lockdown were imposed today.

Apart from exposing the general population to COVID-19, the unusual phenomenon witnessed today also caused immense trouble to all the commoners, including those who came out for emergency purpose as well as office goers.

The panic buying also resulted in escalation of prices of almost all essential commodities and other items.

Panic buying leads to traffic snarls, price hike

Vehicles of all types were seen lining up in long queues in front of petrol pumps in Imphal and greater Imphal areas since early morning.

With traffic volume incessantly increasing since around 9 in the morning, roads in Imphal city and other urban areas like Chingmeirong, RIMS Road, Khoyathong road, Singjamei and Lamlong were later jam-packed with four wheelers and two wheelers resulting in traffic chaos and immense troubles to the commuters, including those who came out for emergency purpose and office goers.

W Nilo, an ailing person who came to Singjamei said that the traffic chaos had delayed his appointment with his consultant this morning.

He said that he obtained his appointment with the doctor after much efforts involving persons who are close to the consultant.

An office goer who came on bicycle at RIMS road furiously said that the unnecessary rush for buying goods and essential items made commoners like him suffer a lot in discharging their routine tasks.

Meanwhile, shopkeepers and vegetable vendors hiked the prices of groceries and other essential items by taking advantage of the panic buying.

Prices of potatoes, onions, garlic and even MRP labelled edible oil bottles were sold Rs 5 to Rs 10 higher in many of the shops in Imphal and greater Imphal area, including New Checkon and Singjamei area.

Some local shopkeepers in the said area claimed that they sold all their stocks and the wholesalers refused to give grocery items today afternoon.