Package drinking water sold above MRP, goes dry
Source: Hueiyen News Service / N Sanajaoba Meitei
Imphal, October 09 2011:
As a consequence of the ongoing economic blockade which has crossed the 70th day, the packaged drinking water which was abundantly available in Imphal market has gone out of stock in almost all retail outlets.
While the few which are still availablein the market is being sold above the printed MRP.
When Hueiyen Lanpao made an enquiry into the prevailing price of packaged drinking water at retail outlets in Imphal bazaar, it was found that a 500ml packaged drinking water bottle whose price is being tagged at Rs 10 is being sold at Rs 15, a 1ltr of water bottle is being sold at Rs 20 as against Rs 15 and a 5ltr water bottle at Rs 70 as against Rs 60 .
Retailers justifying this said that since the packaged drinking water is brought to the state on flight because of the ongoing economic blockade on all NHs of the state, the transportation charge has risen and they are compelled to increase the price.
Even if the water is obtained from sources from Manipur, the bottle is being transported from outside the state.
The price of a case of bottles was 110, but now it has been increased to Rs 180-200.At the same time the mineral water is not produced adequately to meet the people's demand, they said.
Meanwhile, there have also been fluctuations in the price of potato and onion every now and then.
It has also been reported that the price of potato which is now sold at Rs 16-17/kg may be increased to around Rs 20.Same is the case with Onion.