The government said it will ensure availability of rice, wheat, sugar and other essential commodities at reasonable prices, amid growing concerns about rising prices.
The Cabinet Committee on Prices, at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, reviewed comprehensively prices and availability of essential commodities like wheat, rice and sugar, Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma said after the meeting.
“The government is absolutely confident of ensuring availability of essential commodities at adequate prices,” he said. Food and agriculture ministries have been asked to issue a detailed note on the situation, he added.
“The government is monitoring the price situation on a regular basis,” he said.
Sugar currently costs Rs 30-32 per kg in retail market, which has doubled since last year. While wheat is available at Rs 13 per kg and rice in the range of Rs 16-20 per kg on an average, maintaining a steady price, other items such as milk, onion and potato have seen a significant rise in recent months.
The government, which maintains buffer stocks of food grains for supply under the public distribution system and to meet exigencies, had 153.49 lakh tonnes of rice and 284.57 lakh tonnes of wheat as on October 1, 2009.