THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Middlemen in the state are playing a game by increasing the price of essential goods in the public market. They are charging exorbitant prices from the people by taking advantage of the non-availability of subsidized goods in Maveli stores and Supplyco Super Markets.

As it is the post-harvest season in North India, the prices of essential commodities should decrease in November and December with the increased arrival of new stock, but the opposite is happening. Taking advantage of the weakness in the government market, the middlemen are increasing the prices as they see fit, aiming at excessive profits.

The price of white chickpeas has increased from Rs 100 to Rs 190 per kg and the price of green gram has increased from Rs 110 to Rs 155. The price of first quality toor dal increased from 115 to 180 per kg and second quality from 90 to 140 per kg. Onion price almost doubled to Rs.68. It has been a month and a half since the price of shallots has reached Rs 105-115. Potato prices went up from 30 to 48. Only Coriander has seen a slight price reduction.

Market intervention is mainly done by the government through SupplyCo, the absence of which is also reflected in the public market.

Supplyco helpless

People who come to the supplyco markets to escape the scorching prices in the general market have to return empty-handed. Apart from rice, nine items are provided at subsidized rates. Nothing is available at Supplyco including chilli, cowpea, green gram, toor dal, coconut oil and sugar. The stock of non-subsidized goods is also decreasing. The suppliers stopped supplying the goods after the arrears crossed 700 crores, which became a backlash.

Amount to be paid by SupplyCo to suppliers: 700 crores

Amount owed by Government to Supplyco: 1500 crores

Commodities, SupplyCo Subsidized Price, Public Market Price (last month's price in brackets)

Green gram...................... 74... 155 (110)

Black gram.........................66... 145 (110)

Toor dal.............................. 65... 140 (90)

Chili......................................75... 275 (275)

Coconut oil....................... 92... 155 (145)

Chickpea............................43... 190 (100)

Cowpea..............................45... 110 (90)

Sugar...................................22... 45 (40)

Coriander......................... 79... 110 (125)