Price rise: Commoners worried

Ahead of the onset of winter season in the Valley, the rise in the prices of essential commodities across Kashmir has left the common people to lurch at large. Although the petrol prices have reduced from Thursday, still the people here in Srinagar have been getting the fuel at around Rs 110, which is not only worrying but also depicts the state of inflation and the rise in prices will lead to a rise in the prices of essential commodities. There has been no fixed rate on any essential commodity in Srinagar and elsewhere when it comes to the eatables and other related things. One fails to understand why the concerned have failed to take a strict action against the people involved. Besides, the reduction in the fuel price is a welcome step, but has not provided any big relief to the commuters, who have been facing immense hardships due to the rise in fuel price. The consumers have been complaining that the price of essentials is increasing manifold whenever it rains or snows, which indicates an abrupt and unnecessary hike of essentials by the retailers and wholesalers during the inclement weather conditions. Thus, in order to put an end to the sufferings of common people, the government should take steps to ensure that no price hike takes place so that they could heave a sigh of relief. The market checking squad must pull up socks and ensure that the essentials are sold on fixed rates only.