Mysuru: People standing in queue has become a common phenomenon after the central government demonetised Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes. Now, rumours are spreading about a probable steep hike in salt prices, with the country likely to witness an acute shortage in supplies. Some news agencies have already reported that the price may go up to Rs 200 – 250 per kg in a day or two.
Fearing the hike, hundreds of traders and residents were seen lining up in front of whole sale outlets to procure salt in advance. Some preferred to carry sacks of salt in their own cars whereas the rest were seen taking small consignments in their two wheelers. Despite the food department officials’ reassurance that such situation is unlikely to arise as sufficient stocks are available, people were seen rushing from their homes to buy the cheapest yet most valuable ingredient.
The rumours initially spread across Uttar Pradesh where an elderly woman lost her life in the melee which triggered news reports about increase in prices.
Wholesale traders witnessing the increase in the number of customers hiked their retail prices quietly by Rs 5 per kg to maximise their profits.
On one side people are sweating and shedding salt from their bodies to exchange notes whereas on the other side the apprehension of price increase is rubbing salt on people’s wounds.