The Enforcement Branch (EB) conducted inspections across several major markets in Kolkata on Tuesday morning, a day after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari warned of strict action to control rising prices of essential commodities.
Officials check sugar prices and stocks
Around 10 EB teams were deployed to inspect markets across north and south Kolkata. Officials visited shops and checked the prices and availability of essential commodities, including sugar, rice, cooking oil, garlic and onions.
The inspections came after the chief minister, during a press conference at Nabanna on Monday, said the government had identified possible irregularities contributing to the recent rise in prices. He warned that strict action would be taken against those illegally hoarding rice and sugar.
EB teams inspect markets across Kolkata
Following the chief minister’s warning, Lalbazar reportedly deployed 10 EB teams on Monday night for market inspections. The teams began their operations on Tuesday morning. Officials visited several markets, including Koley Market in Sealdah and Jadubabu’s Market in Bhabanipur, going from shop to shop to assess the situation and check for possible illegal stockpiling.
The focus was not limited to sugar. Officials also checked whether traders were illegally storing rice, oil, or other essential commodities.
Price rise puts pressure on household budgets
The government’s action comes amid a sharp rise in the prices of several kitchen essentials. Sugar prices have reportedly increased significantly in recent weeks, along with the prices of rice, cooking oil, garlic, and onions.
The chief minister had said on Monday that the government was taking necessary steps to bring sugar prices under control. He also warned that those found illegally hoarding essential commodities would face action.
The recent rise in sugar prices has been linked by some traders to an ethanol-related supply crisis, although the Centre has rejected the claim that ethanol shortages are responsible for the increase.
Market inspections extended beyond Kolkata
The enforcement drive was not restricted to Kolkata. Administrative officials also conducted inspections in markets across several districts.
In Bishnupur, in Bankura, officials inspected fish markets as well as hotels. Apart from checking for illegal stockpiling, officials also examined food safety standards. The inspections are part of the state administration’s broader effort to monitor the prices and availability of essential commodities and prevent artificial shortages or hoarding.
