The Meghalaya government has warned traders, wholesalers and commercial taxi operators of the state not to take advantage of the current pandemic situation.
The Meghalaya government order comes following the increase of prices of the essential commodities in Shillong in the aftermath of the latest restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Prices of rice, dal, sugar, edible oil and potatoes have increased in Shillong “due to increase of prices at the source” and also due to challans and freight charges, the East Khasi Dills Deputy Commissioner said.
Sporadic reports have emerged of a further hike in prices of essential commodities and local taxi fares, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said.
He said that local traders and wholesalers have been asked to stick to the market prices and not inflate them to fleece customers.
“They must realize the difficulties being faced by residents,” Tynsong said.
Stating that there is no lockdown and there is no shortage of food stocks, Tynsong said that instructions have been given to the deputy commissioners and the food inspectors to monitor the prices in the markets.
The State transport department has also issued directions to monitor the fares of local and commercial taxis plying in the State capital and out of it.