Delhi Traders claim no hand in rising prices

New Delhi, Apr 16 (UNI) As Delhi Government continues its crackdown on hoarders and blackmarketeers in the capital in view of spiralling prices, Delhi Grain Merchants Association today expressed concern at the raids and denied any role in increase in wholesale price index.

It said the cost of grains including dal, besan and sugar we down by 5 to 10 per cent this year in the (last few months) as compared to prices in the same period last year.

Mr O P Jain, President of the Association said, ''No trader wants to stock eatables particularly food grains as these items depend on crop season.'' ''The whole sale prices of various dals (cereals) and flour are down by 5 to 10 per cent in the last couple of months. The food chain retail stores are also helping in checking prices of these essential kitchen items. The moong dal is selling at Rs 3300 to 3500 per quintal in the wholesale market and is about Rs 35 to 40 per kg in the retail market,'' said Mr Ashok Gupta of Dal and Besan Millers Association.

''We are open to all checks for our stocks, this is an age of transparency. No trader wants to hold stocks in this fluctuating global market,'' Mr Gupta said.

He blamed other inputs for increase in high wholesale price index.

The Delhi government has been conducting raids in the capital during which huge stock of edible oils, pulses and cereals have been recovered and its most significant seizure included that of 2.5 lakh quintals of rice from a godown in Narela.

UNI MMG BDP RK1924