Mamata Banerjee Reduces Prices of Fruits & Vegetables Sold at Government-Run Stores

On April 7, 2022, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee met with representatives from different government departments, law enforcement agencies, and the market associations at the state secretariat.

CM of Bengal, Mamta Banerjee, directed the authorities to keep a watch on market rates without being overbearing, while on the other hand, she also has asked market and trade affiliations to check prices until the next month.

The Bengal Chief minister lowered the prices of several vegetables and fruits sold at the government-run retail locations whilst still urging the Centre to reduce fuel prices, momentarily waive toll tax, and limit price spikes.

She stated that the Union government must develop a strategy to regulate price hikes as well as lower the prices of LPG, diesel, and petrol. For the time being, they should stop collecting tolls as this has an impact on the agricultural product prices. 

She also asked that other states should join her and should also support the case.

She also added that she would ask the Center for clearing the GST dues of the states and also for extending the GST compensation duration by another five years.

In addition to this Banerjee also stated that this is a month of celebrations and she would be celebrating the Bengali New Year, as well as Ramadan. The prices of fruits are likely to rise, she told the largest market associations in Kolkata.

The Bengal government is also intending to increase the number of vehicles used in Sufal Bangla stores operated by the state government from 332 to around 500.

Prices Have Been Reduced on These Items

Sufal Bangla stores sell vegetables and fruits at lower prices. Commodities are priced at least 10 to 20 percent lower in government-run stores than in markets. On Wednesday, Banerjee reduced the prices by another 2 to 5 percent on items such as onions and potatoes.