Farmers protest led to hike in edible oil prices

Farmers protest disrupted movement of supplies of goods causing a hike in the price of edible oil, according to traders.

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh): As the farmers protest on Delhi border against the controversial farm bills enter the 35th day, making it tough for traders to transport their goods, resulting in an increase in prices of edible on every alternative day.

According to Varanasi based edible oil trader, Anil Sahu, the price of mustard oil before the farmers assembled at the Singhu border was Rs 95 per litre. As a huge crowd assembled on the roads which connect the national capital to the entire county, results in the soaring of prices.

"The major source of refined oil is Gujarat. As the farmers are protesting on the national highway, the trucks carrying edible oil have to take a long route which results in an increase in prices. The price has now increased to Rs 160 per litre", added Sahu.

As the prices increased from Rs 95 per litre to Rs 160 per litre, the housewives felt the soaring prices tough to manage the household at the time when the employers are cutting the salary.

While speaking to ETV Bharat, Soni Jaiswal, a housewife hailing from Varanasi said, "Our husbands are already facing a salary cut. We have been facing financial issues since the nationwide lockdown imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus. At this time, the rise in prices of an essential commodity is really a matter of concern for all of us."

Further, Jaiswal advised the farmers to support the farm laws and urged them to vacant the roads which affect the livelihood of the common people.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab, Haryana and Western Uttar Pradesh have been protesting at several borders of the national capital for the last 35 days demanding the repealing of the three farm laws.

The farmer leaders are meeting the government on Wednesday at the Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Earlier, five rounds of meetings with the government remained inconclusive.