In wake of the rising oil prices, the state’s food supply department has stepped up raids to nab hoarders and black-marketeers. The Ukraine-Russia war is expected to significantly push up the price of sunflower oil, given that both countries account for over half of the world’s production of the same.
On Monday, in a reply to a question from Congress MLAs on the issue of deficit oil raids and quantity of seized oil, state minister for food, civil supplies and consumer affairs, Naresh Patel, briefed that in the 70 raids carried out between 2020-2022 across 12 districts, nearly 7,59,764 kg of edible oil has been seized. This stands at a market value of Rs 1,36,89,992. The prices of edible oil and food grains have hit the ceiling while hoarders continue to rake in the profit. The Opposition demanded strict action against the oil mafia which, allegedly, works in tandem with officials in the government.
However, no raids were carried out in Bharuch, Devbhoomi Dwarka , Dahod, Mahisagar, Valsad, Morbi, Anand, Narmada, Sabarkantha, Mehsana and Dang districts, the Congress further charged.
