Port Blair, Aug 14: The Secretary Civil Supplies today reviewed the position of availability of Onion in the open market, in the light of the recent hike in onion prices.
It is understood that the spurt in prices was due to the shortage of onion stocks with the major suppliers. While the shipments of onion had started from Chennai, unloading was a major issue on account of the unavailability of labour at the shipyards, particularly on account of two holidays due to Independence Day and Sunday.
Through the combined efforts of the Department of Civil Supplies and the Directorate of Shipping, it is being ensured that the shipments would be unloaded immediately upon arrival. It is to be hoped that the replenishment of stocks would bring down the onion prices which had skyrocketed in the last fortnight.
The position regarding LPG supply was also reviewed in the context of a recent report in a section of the press regarding the virtual stoppage of LPG supply in Mayabunder. According to information available with the Manager, Consumer Cooperative Store, there are approximately 1700 LPG consumers at present in Mayabunder.
The average weekly requirement of Mayabunder is about 125 cylinders at the most. The Manager, Consumer Cooperative Stores informed that 296 LPG cylinders are being delivered at Mayabunder today and the next consignment of LPG would be delivered on the 18th of August, i.e on Tuesday, about four days later. The IOCL is in the process of identifying agency that may deliver LPG twice a week to ensure adequate supply of LPG in Mayabunder. The Area Manager, LPG (IOCL) is already in Mayabunder to assess the situation and take remedial measures.
