Hyderabad: Telangana Irrigation and Civil Supplies Minister N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Friday warned rice traders against hoarding, black marketing and excessive pricing. He said the government would take stringent action against traders found manipulating rice prices.
The Minister said the government had intensified enforcement operations across Telangana to prevent unjustified increases in rice prices. Officials were paying special attention to wholesale and retail markets in Hyderabad and neighbouring districts.
Uttam Kumar Reddy issued the warning after reviewing steps taken by the Civil Supplies Department to control rice prices. The review followed discussions between department officials, rice wholesalers, retailers and millers.
Government warns rice traders against hoarding as checks intensify
Civil Supplies Commissioner Stephen Ravindra briefed the Minister on special enforcement measures introduced to prevent price manipulation. Director of Civil Supplies Shyam Prasad Lal and other senior officials also participated in the discussions.
The government was particularly focused on reducing the price of commonly consumed BPT rice to Rs 66 per kg. However, officials would review RNR rice prices separately, considering differences in quality and production costs.
Uttam Kumar Reddy said the government would not allow traders to exploit consumers through artificial price increases. “The government will not tolerate profiteering at the expense of consumers. Enforcement operations will continue until the market stabilises,” the Minister warned.
Meanwhile, the Minister assured consumers that Telangana had sufficient rice stocks to meet demand. He urged people not to panic over rising prices or make unnecessary bulk purchases.
He said the government would continue discussions with genuine rice traders and millers to address market concerns. However, authorities would act firmly against those engaging in hoarding, black marketing or other unfair trade practices.
The Minister reiterated that protecting consumers from unjustified price increases remained a government priority.