Salt price rumours spark panic, govt assures no shortage in supply

Despite repeated clarification from the government, people in large number rushed to grocery shops in several parts of the city to buy salt following a rumour that Gujarat would be facing a severe shortage of salt in coming days. People could be seen jostling outside grocery shops in Shahpur, Vadaj, Jamalpur, Kalupur, Amraiwadi and many other parts of city to buy salt. " A rumour is doing rounds that Gujarat has run out of salt stock and there is a possibility of huge rise in the price. As a result, panic-stricken citizens are rushing to shops to buy it. We are trying our best to convince them that it is just a rumour," said Congress MLA Gyasuddin Shaikh. Civil supplies minister Jayesh Radadiya appealed to people not to believe rumours. "We have enough stock of salt as well as sugar," said Radadiya.

Stones at police buses amid rumours of shortage of salt and hike in prices of the essential commodities. As the rumour spread, scores of people stepped out on the Kalindi Kunj-Jamia Nagar road and vandalised buses, a senior police officer said. They also threw stones at the police buses which were rushed to the spot to control the situation. Four policemen have been reportedly injured in the incident, he said. While police were trying to calm things down, a rumour spread that a trader was shot at during a fight due to the shortage of salt, he said. Police placated the residents and brought the situation under control. Additional force from a neighbouring police stations was also called in, he said. A large number of police personnel are deployed in the area in view of the incident.

Panic-stricken mob in several places in  national capital vandalised buses on Friday late night. Reports of stone pelting were received from south east Delhi.

Dial 100 to inform Police Control Room incase anybody is selling #Salt or any other essential commodity more then MRP.
Say NO to rumours!!

— Madhur Verma (@DCP_North_Delhi) November 11, 2016

There is sufficient manoeuvrability to meet any unexpected localised shortage, if any. No cause for Panic thus: Dept of Consumer affairs

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

Department of Consumer Affairs Government Statement

Department of Consumer Affairs Government of India have been informed about the rumoured increase in the prices of salt in some parts of the country. The Department monitors the prices of 22 Essential Commodities on daily basis. As per the prices reported by centres from across the country, there has been no increase in price of salt whatsoever. There has been no report about any disruption in production of salt, its supply and distribution.

Meanwhile, things got out of hand in South-East Delhi where buses are being vandalised. There were also reports of a general store owner being shot. There has been no confirmation by the police so far whether this was because of the salt issue.

No shortage of salt, prices are the same. State Govts need to take action on those who spread rumours: Food minister Ram Vilas Paswan pic.twitter.com/v35TX3mctW

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

I appeal state Govts to take action if any wrongdoing, or rumour mongering is taking place: Food minister Ram Vilas Paswan pic.twitter.com/Px3RslfNHd

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

Advisory pic.twitter.com/beE8BVZCBa

— Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) November 11, 2016

Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain holds meeting at his residence regarding black marketing of salt, sugar & other commodities.

— ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

Delhi Police promises strict action against exorbitant prices. 

Please share information of those selling #Salt at exorbitant prices or spreading rumours of shortage. They will surely land behind bars!!

— Madhur Verma (@DCP_North_Delhi) November 11, 2016

M City Arun Kumar Srivastava said they will depute magistrates and police to check any attempt to black market essential commodities. Even in Delhi, there were reports of salt being sold at a premium but they could not be confirmed independently. "I had gone to a mall in Mayur Vihar phase one where salt was out of stock. Then I went to Trilokpuri where salt was being sold at Rs 55 per kilogram as shopkeepers do not have change to offer," Abhishek Roy, an executive with a telecom major told PTI.

State administration states that there is no dearth, scarcity of salt in the state, request all to not believe rumours: ADG (Law and Order) pic.twitter.com/5hqA8p3hqq

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 11, 2016

Food & Civil supply minister @ImranHussaain calls urgent meeting of officers regarding allaged hoarding and black marketing of salt.

— Ankit Lal (@AnkitLal) November 11, 2016

2.the situation. Asst.Salt Commissioners reporting from the field. No shortage. Monitoring will be on-going. Feedback may be given #mociseva

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 11, 2016

1. No shortage in the supply of edible salt.Baseless rumors being spread. Salt Commissioner& Jt.Secretary Shri Raghavendra monitoring ....

— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 11, 2016

Please do not believe in any rumours. There is no shortage of #salt or any other necessary commodity nor any price hike information.

— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 11, 2016

#WATCH: Panic among people after rumours of salt shortage in UP, authorities say there is no shortage (visuals from Allahabad) pic.twitter.com/batUz6ylhM

— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 11, 2016