PONDA: Red chillies were sold at inflated rates in the Ponda market, which commenced operations at the open space – “airport road” and in other parts of the town too.
Following skyrocketed fish prices now consumers found the much sought after spice – the red chilli too hot. Red Chilli was sold between Rs 100 and Rs 200 per kg.
Fish, curry and rice form the staple diet of Goans, however, since lockdown the people began to feel the pinch as fish prices sky rocketed as the fish markets remained shut.
Good quality chilli is sold between Rs 400 and Rs 500 per kg at various places in the taluka which was usually sold last year at Rs 300 a kg. Expressed strong unhappiness over inflated rates, Marcaim resident Sandesh Naik accused the vendors of taking advantage of lockdown restrictions.
The 50-year-old said during entire life he never purchased chilli at Rs 500 kg which is sold by the roadside vendors. He said not only chilli, but coconut prices too have been inflated as one coconut is sold at Rs 40.
He called upon the government to control the prices of essential goods or buy the same directly from farmers and sell at reasonable rates. Some are overcharging consumer while others are selling items for a little less but at the end the common man has to suffer.
Meanwhile, when inquired with Ponda market vendors , who commenced their business at the open space provided by Ponda civic body they said a small chillies of good quality are sold at Rs 400 per kg, while the others are sold at Rs 200, Rs 250 to Rs 300 depending upon the quality.
