Port Blai(Sri Vijaya Puram): A supply disruption may have triggered the potato crunch in the Islands—but the administration is now keeping a close watch on a bigger threat: whether unscrupulous traders could exploit the shortage through hoarding, artificial scarcity and profiteering.
Against the backdrop of the recent non-availability of potatoes and a sharp escalation in retail prices, the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs has intensified market surveillance, inspecting major vegetable markets across Sri Vijaya Puram, including Ratnam Market, Mohanpura Market and Haddo Market.
The inspections so far indicate a temporary supply shortage, with no potato stocks found either with major wholesalers or in cold storage facilities. The immediate trigger appears to be a disruption in the regular supply chain after a cargo vessel carrying potatoes from Kolkata was forced to return mid-voyage following an engine failure.
The supply squeeze has already pushed prices sharply upward. A limited quantity brought in by air is reportedly being sold by some retailers at around ₹120 to ₹140 per kg, putting additional pressure on consumers. However, with the administration unable to rule out attempts to exploit the situation, wholesalers and retailers have been put on notice against any attempt to deliberately withhold stocks or create an artificial scarcity.
The situation is expected to ease with fresh consignments. MV TCI Laxmi, which arrived at Sri Vijaya Puram on September 4, brought around 140 bags, or approximately seven metric tonnes, of potatoes. A much larger consignment of around 368 MT is expected aboard MV APJ Karan 2 between September 9 and 11. The arrival and subsequent distribution of the consignment are expected to substantially improve availability and bring some stability to retail prices.
The Directorate has issued a stern warning that illegal hoarding of potato, an essential commodity, for black-marketing or profiteering will invite stringent action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and the Prevention of Blackmarketing and Maintenance of Supplies of Essential Commodities Act, 1980. Those found deliberately withholding stocks or indulging in profiteering could face seizure and confiscation of stocks, suspension or cancellation of licences, prosecution and other punitive action.
The continuing inspections are therefore aimed not merely at checking prices, but also at ensuring that a temporary logistical disruption does not become an opportunity for market manipulation. The administration has appealed to consumers to avoid panic buying, which could further distort the supply situation. At the same time, the public has been urged to report cases of overcharging, suspected hoarding or deliberate non-availability to the Directorate of Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs.
With a major potato shipment expected within days, the immediate challenge is clear: ensure every bag reaching the Islands finds its way to consumers—and does not disappear into the hands of those waiting to profit from scarcity.
