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The order, issued last week, has edible oil as the latest commodity to be included for fixing stock limits after foodgrains and pulses. With the state governments being delegated powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to impose suitable stock limits on certain essential commodities, oil traders are clearly an agitated lot.
Vilas Dugad, head of the Oil Traders Association in the city, which has around 40 traders in the corporation limits, said the licence limits make it difficult to stock as per the requirements. “It will definitely result in shortage and in turn affect the prices,” he said. Since the stock limits differ for both wholesalers and retailers, the shortage is bound to happen, he added.
Pune District Supply Officer Snehal Barge said the aim was to check hoarding of oil by traders. Licences will be issued to the traders at the Food and District Supply office in the city and at the tehsil office in rural areas. “The oil traders will have to get the licences issued in 15 days time. This directive will set a limit for the traders. Once they procure the licences, they will have to follow the rules,” she added.
The states have been advised to strengthen their enforcement machinery to prevent malpractices and take necessary action against the unscrupulous persons indulging in hoarding and black-marketing of essential commodities.
The Central Government had, in its notification in 2006, empowered the states and Union territories to fix stock limits in respect of wheat and pulses so as to enable them to take appropriate actions against the hoarding of these commodities. Similarly for edible oils, edible oilseeds and rice, the states have been empowered to fix stock limits for one year and take necessary action against hoarders. Barge said that drives are on in various parts of the city.
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