Price of commodities skycokets in snow hit Kullu

SHIMLA: In Kullu-Manali not only the tourists but even the locals are being fleeced by shopkeepers as missing power supply has surged the demand for candle and coal to light and warm the rooms. A candle with price tag of Rs 15 or 20 is being sold for Rs 60 while coal that earlier was being sold in the bag of 30 kg for Rs 650 is now being sold at Rs 200 per kg.
With restoration of power supply going to take more time people have started stocking coal, kerosene, fuel wood, candles and emergency lights at exorbitant price. "I bought a candle that was not more than of Rs 20 by paying Rs 60. I had no option but to buy it as candle has become a necessity to light the room in absence of power supply," said Neelam Kumari a resident of Kullu.
Ajay Kishore a resident of Bhuntar said that in absence of power supply charging mobile has turned out to be a money minting business as shopkeeper are demanding Rs 100 to charge a mobile phone for 30 minutes. "On Monday I went to buy coal as without heating appliances survival with young children has become a difficult. But I was left shocked when dealer asked me to pay Rs 200 for a kg. few days back coal was available for Rs 650 per bag of 30 kg," he added.
Surender Sharma another resident of Bhuntar said that milk is being sold at Rs 35 kg while tea is costing Rs 15 after the snowfall. "Prices of vegetables, fruits and eatables too have skyrocketed," he added.
Local residents said that hotels too have increased their rooms rents manifold. " A room that was earlier being provided for Rs 400 now is available only for Rs 2000. While taxi are charging Rs 2500 per tourist between Patlikul to Manali while locals are being charged Rs 1500 per person," said Amit Dixit another resident of Bhuntar.
While Kullu residents fear more increase in the prices of essential commodities in coming days, Inspector General of Police, Central Range, P L Thakur has already advised the tourists not to visit Kullu-Manali till situation improves and administration gives its green signal.