Odisha Govt Launches Toll-Free Number to Report Price Gouging Ahead of Cyclone Dana

Bhubaneswar: In response to rising concerns about price hikes on essential commodities in light of the impending Cyclone Dana, the Odisha state government has announced a dedicated toll-free telephone number for citizens to report unscrupulous traders. The Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare (FS&CW) Department is encouraging people to lodge complaints by calling 0674-2396227.

The FS&CW Department has issued a stern warning to traders attempting to exploit the situation by creating artificial shortages and charging inflated prices. “We will take strict action against those causing distress in the market,” officials stated.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that Cyclone Dana will make landfall on the Odisha coast between Bhitarkanika in Kendrapara district and Dhamra in Bhadrak district early on October 25. The storm is expected to bring heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds, affecting several districts, including Puri, Jagatsinghpur, Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Balasore.

As a precaution, many residents are stocking up on essential items such as groceries and vegetables, fearing potential disruptions in supply chains and subsequent price increases.

Krushna Chandra Patra, the state’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister, has directed officials to actively monitor market conditions and prevent hoarding and black marketing. “We have adequate stocks of essential commodities. We urge people not to panic-buy, as this may lead to further price hikes,” he advised.

Prices for vegetables have already seen a significant increase in the capital city and other areas in anticipation of the cyclone’s arrival. In response, FS&CW officials conducted market raids across various locations in Bhubaneswar, including Unit-I, Unit-IV, Indradhanu, Damana, Badagada, and Sahid Nagar, to ensure compliance and check the rising costs of vegetables and kitchen essentials.