West Bengal: Potato Supply Halt Leads to Price Surge and Potential Removal from Essential Kitchen List

In a surprising turn of events, the government has halted the supply of potatoes to other states, leading to a potential drop of potatoes from the list of essential foods in the kitchen. Potato traders across the state have called for a strike, alleging that vehicles transporting potatoes to other states are being stopped.

The strike has caused a significant disruption in the supply chain, resulting in a sharp increase in potato prices in local markets. On Wednesday morning, consumers in Durgapur’s Sen Market, Muchipara Market, and Benachiti Market were taken aback by the high prices, with potatoes being sold at 45 to 50 rupees per kilogram.

Potato traders, including Sumit Das and Santosh Sao, explained, "There is a shortage of potatoes in the market. The strike by the traders' association has halted the transportation of potatoes, leading to the price hike. If the strike continues, potatoes might become unavailable in the market. We are forced to sell at higher prices because we are buying at higher rates."

Consumers, such as Kabi Ghosh and Jaladhar Bhuiya, expressed their concerns, saying, "The rising prices of potatoes are causing us extreme difficulties. The middle class is particularly stressed. If this issue is not resolved soon, we won’t be able to afford potatoes. The government should address this problem promptly."

The halt in potato supply and the subsequent strike highlight the critical need for government intervention to stabilize the market and ensure the availability of essential food items at reasonable prices.