Sellers creating artificial inflation in state using lockdown; cement price over Rs 500 per packet, along with fuel price hike, cost of vegetables increase

​​​​​THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cement price in the state increased to Rs 510. This is the first time the price of cement has crossed Rs 500. The average price of cement is Rs 480. When the lockdown began, the price of a 50 kg cement packet was Rs 420.

The average consumption of cement in the state is 11 lakh tonnes. 97 per cent of it is distributed by private companies. Industries minister P Rajeev has called for a meeting of cement companies, distributors and sellers to control the cement prices to a stable level.

The move comes after repeated pleas to the government by construction firms after the cement companies' constant hike in cement prices. The meet will be convened online at evening 5 pm. The minister’s office has also said that he will convene a similar meeting the next day also.

​​​​​​The price of other construction materials like steel and crushers were also increased. With this, construction activities have been halted in many areas across the state, forcing the government to intervene in the issue.

The unprecedented surge in fuel prices has made the family budgets of common people inadequate. It is alleged that under the garb of lockdown, price rice has become rampant in the state. For vegetables, prices have soared between Rs 20 to Rs 60. The sellers also state that they are also not getting enough commodities. The consumers also say that they have no choice other than to buy the commodities at a high price.

The price of ladies fingers which was Rs 30 has become Rs 80 now. Lemon which was sold at between Rs 40-60 is now being sold between Rs 80-100. The price of peas has increased from Rs 60 to Rs 100. Tomatoes are now being sold at Rs 30 per kilo against their previous price of Rs 20. The price of brinjal has increased from Rs 30-40.

Sources say the price of essential commodities in the state will again surge in the state. Allegations are also coming up from different corners that despite the rampant price rise, the state government is not taking any action to control the prices.