They have started exporting groundnut and oil to Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh with the alleged connivance of a pro-millers and traders' lobby in the government and a coterie of officials.

Sachivalaya sources tells Express Newsline that a good number of tankers and trucks left Gujarat since the sub-committee began deliberations over a week ago on the issue.In fact, Saurashtra Oil Millers Association president Ukabhai Patel had on Tuesday warned the government. ``Traders are illegally exporting half the groundnut and oil, making it difficult for millers to compete with such unscrupulous elements in market'', he said.

The sources estimate that suppliers rake in Rs 1 lakh a tanker of 10,000 kg of oil, besides agents and those manning border check-posts cornering a huge cut.

The sub-committee is vertically divided. Members Vajubhai Vala and Savji Korat (both supporters of the Chief Minister) held a brief for Saurashtra traders and millers, while Mehta, Jaspal Singh and Jay Narayan Vyas protecting consumers.