(a) the difference per kilogram between existing wholesale and
retail prices of essential commodities in the metropolitan cities;
(b) whether any guidelines have been issued in relation to maximum permissible difference between wholesale and retail prices of essential commodities;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, the manner in which the Government monitors the prices including the retail prices of essential commodities?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS,FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION(SHRI TASLIMUDDIN)
(a): The per kilogram difference between existing wholesale and retail prices of essential
commodities as monitored by this Department is given at Annexure.
(b): There are no guidelines issued in relation to the
maximum permissible difference between wholesale and retail prices of
essential commodities. The wholesale/retail prices are largely determined
by the market forces. Difference in consumer price and whole sale price of
produce of food grains is mainly due to
(i) transportation and handling
costs
(ii) packaging and other marketing expenses at retail,
(iii) retailers
mark-up and
(iv) various taxes levied by different State Governments e.g.
octroi duty. The gap between wholesale and retail prices is found to be
generally within limits with respect to essential commodities.
(c): In view of above, does not arise.
(d): Government closely monitors the wholesale/retail prices
of select essential commodities at select centres. The Price Monitoring
Cell (PMC) is entrusted, inter-alia, with the task of monitoring of the
prices of select essential commodities in the country viz., rice, wheat,
atta, gram dal, tur/arhar dal, urad dal, moong dal, masoor dal, tea, milk,
sugar, vanaspati, mustard oil, groundnut oil, potato, onion and salt,
based on the information received from the State Food and Civil Supplies
Departments. Information on Retail Prices is received on daily basis from
27 centres of the country. Similarly, information on Wholesale Prices is
received from 37 centres of the country on weekly basis. Any variation,
especially an increase in prices at the wholesale/retail level, is
immediately taken note of and the State Food and Civil Supplies Department
concerned is contacted for details thereof. The prevailing price situation
as well as other factors which impact on prices, both in domestic and
international markets are studied and brought to the notice of high level
committees, such as Committee of Secretaries (COS), Cabinet Committee on
Prices (CCP), through agenda notes prepared for their meetings, for
appropriate action at the policy level.