Assam Food, Public Distribution and Urban Development Minister Kaushik Rai on July 17 warned traders at Fatak Bazar in Silchar against unjustified hikes in prices of essential commodities, saying the state government will take strict action against artificial inflation and hoarding. The minister inspected market stocks, reviewed price levels and held talks with local traders to assess availability and supply-chain issues.
Rai said recent heavy rainfall had temporarily disrupted supplies and caused marginal price rises for some items, but stressed that weather-related shortages do not justify profiteering. He told traders to maintain fair rates and prioritise consumers’ interests while the administration works to restore normal market flows.
The minister emphasised that the government is monitoring market prices closely and will act against any deliberate attempt to create scarcity or inflate prices. Rai warned that attempts to exploit the situation through overcharging or hoarding “will not be tolerated.”
Officials from the Food and Public Distribution Department and representatives of the district administration joined the market inspection, along with members of the local trading community. Rai directed enforcement agencies to keep a close watch on retail and wholesale outlets and to take prompt action where malpractice is detected.
The visit aimed to reassure consumers and send a clear signal to traders that temporary supply disruptions will be managed without allowing unfair price practices. Consumers in Silchar were urged to report suspected overcharging to authorities so that corrective measures can be implemented swiftly.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/silchar-traders-warned-against-unjustified-price-hike-of-essentials-says-minister-kaushik-rai-1426104-2026-07-17?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-07-17 20:39:00
