Alappuzha MLA P P Chitharanjan lodged a complaint to the District collector against a hotel for overcharging him with Rs 184 for five appams (a type of south Indian pancake) and two egg roasts (single egg). This incident throws light upon the present reality. People are struggling due to inflation. The central and state governments are mercilessly imposing new taxes and fees to fill their treasuries. Despite fall in crude oil prices in the global market, fuel prices are rising on a daily basis here. As a result, we have to pay high prices to everything, including essentials.

Despite strong protests, the central and state governments are not intervening in these issues.Oil companies also hiked commercial gas prices by Rs 256 on Friday. With an increase in price of Rs 904 per commercial cylinder in the last 16 months, severe crisis were faced by ordinary food outlets. Hotels are increasing food prices to cope up with fuel price hike. Some are utilising this situation to reap more profit.

Price control of essential commodities comes under the control of the state governments. As fuel prices increase, it will have an impact in various areas. Regular checking should be made to ensure that prices in shops and restaurants are not rising excessively. Also, essential items should be provided to hotels at reasonable prices. Supplyco should be able to open markets in the city on special occasions and must open them all year round. Such systems can save the common man from the threat of inflation to some extent.

The government has to convene a meeting of union leaders of hotel union to discuss the state-wide complaints about the current rise in food prices. The increase in prices of items including cooking gas has also increased the operating costs of hotels. The government should stipulate that food prices should be revised accordingly. The daily life of the common people depends on the relief measures taken by the government. The government must take on the responsibility of saving the people from the clutches of inflation.