Panic in Bhatkal over salt shortage rumour

Bhatkal, 11 November 2016: A sense of panic gripped residents and shopkeepers in Bhatkal as salt prices skyrocketed amidst a rumour of salt shortage. Hundreds of people thronged local shops to stock up on the essential commodity – with salt plackets flying off shelves in no time. A shopkeeper, who did not wish to be named, confirmed with Bhatkallys.com the change in prices was based on demand and supply. “I have stopped selling salt because there is no price hike announced by the government yet and there is no such shortage. It is simply an attempt to cash-in on the rumour and make a quick buck,” said the shopkeeper. In Madina Colony, scores of people flocked to the market as news of salt selling at Rs300 per kilo spread quickly. Sources also confirmed that shopkeepers refused to sell salt, amidst expectations of further increase in the coming days.   Major cities across India reported a similar trend with shopkeepers in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Uttara Pradesh reporting similar rumours. Addressing the concerns, Ram Vilas Paswan, Union Minister of Food and Public Distribution said, “There is no shortage of salt in the country. - Bhatkallys News Service/ Ismail Zaorez Shabab