Hoarders of essential commodities to be severely punished: Haroon

New Delhi, Apr 10 (UNI) Delhi Minister for Food and Civil Supplies Haroon Yousuf today warned that anybody found indulging in hoarding of essential commodities would be severely punished.

Addressing a joint press meet along with Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee chief J P Agarwal, Mr Yousuf refuted reports of shortage of mustard and vegetible cooking oils in Delhi.

Mr Agarwal and Mr Yousuf alleged that some disgruntled political elements were trying to whip up people's passions by spreading disinformation about shortage and rising prices of cooking oils.

Issuing a warning to horders, the Minister said, ''We are carrying out surprise raids across the city and anyone found indulging in hoarding of essential copmmodities will be severely dealt with.'' In this context, he said that during the recent shortage of LPG in the city, the state government had taken prompt action with the result that the shortage was overcome within a short period.

Mr Agarwal and Mr Yousuf said that to dispel people's fear and to silence those who have been indulging in rumour mongering, cooking oil would be made available in adequate quantity so that people are able to purchase them at affordable rates, for which the cooperation of the Delhi Vegetable Oils Association has been sought.

Mr Agarwal said arrangements have been made by the Association to make available mustard, soyabean and vanaspati oils at reasonable rates to the consumers of Delhi.

He said these oils will be sold at rates ranging from Rs 55 to 60 at 25 outlets across the city.

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