Kurnool administration warns traders against overpricing essential goods

The Kurnool district administration has issued a stern warning to traders against overcharging for essential commodities. Joint Collector Noorul Qamar, during a price control committee meeting at the Collectorate on Saturday, stated that strict action would be taken against any trader found selling goods above the state average pricing.

Mr. Qamar reviewed the wholesale and retail rates of key items including rice, pulses, edible oil, and sugar. He emphasised the need to maintain stable and affordable prices while also ensuring that farmers are not adversely affected by sudden price crashes.

Traders have been instructed to keep their margins reasonable over procurement costs. In a move to strengthen oversight, the Joint Collector directed officials from the Civil Supplies, GST, Legal Metrology, and Municipal departments to conduct joint inspections. These inspections are aimed at detecting instances of illegal hoarding and black marketing.

The committee fixed reference prices for several commodities: eight-month-old super-fine rice at ₹56 per kg, tur dal at ₹117 per kg, Freedom sunflower oil at ₹178 per litre, and sugar at ₹57 per kg.

To improve access to affordable grain, special rice counters have been opened at C-Camp, Venkata Ramana Colony, and Kothapeta Rythu Bazaars in Kurnool, as well as in Adoni. At these counters, eight-month-old super-fine rice is being sold at ₹52 per kg and raw rice at ₹50 per kg. Each family is eligible to purchase up to 10 kg of rice upon Aadhaar verification.