Stable supply and price range reported amid vigilant monitoring in Silchar 

way2barak, May 16 — In a comprehensive report released by the Food, Public Distribution, and Consumers Affairs Branch under the Office of the District Commissioner, Cachar, the current status of essential commodities in Silchar has been outlined with clarity. The update, submitted by the Food Grains Merchant Association, highlights the availability, wholesale and retail prices, and stock duration of critical food items.

Rice, in its various forms—common, fine, and super fine—continues to be well-stocked, with retail prices ranging from Rs 36 to Rs 141 per kilogram, depending on the grade. Particularly notable is the presence of 194,703 bags of fine rice, ensuring coverage for up to 49 days. Lentils, including various grades of Mosoor Dal, Mung Dal, Arhar Dal, and Gram Dal, also reflect healthy availability. Medium Mosoor Dal, supported by 13,656 bags in stock, shows a retail price between Rs 92 to Rs 97, while Arhar Dal, with 1,142 bags, can sustain supply for 35 days at retail prices of Rs 115 to Rs 130 per kg.

Sugar and wheat-based essentials such as atta, maida, and suji reflect a slightly tighter inventory, with suji stocks covering just 2 days,while maida for 36days,Atta for 6 days and Sugar for 10 days. Retail prices for these items remain stable, hovering around Rs 40 to Rs 47 per kg. Notably, sugar stands at Rs 51 to Rs 52 per kg, with a 10-day buffer.

The vegetable segment shows dynamic pricing and availability. Onion (S.S.) maintains a strong presence with 1,499 bags, retailing at Rs 24 to Rs 25 per kg. However, white onions, with just 4 days of stock, are priced slightly higher, reaching up to Rs 35 per kg. Potatoes from various origins—Bengal, U.P., and Jalandhar—are available, with retail prices spanning Rs 18 to Rs 29 per kg, and U.P. variants accounting for 1,648 bags.

Salt, a daily necessity, shows remarkable stock strength with 50,851 bags, providing for approximately 139 days of consumption at retail rates between Rs 10 to Rs 30 per kg. Mustard oil, in its multiple variants, reflects a mixed scenario. General mustard oil retails at Rs 135 to Rs 142, while premium Kachi Ghani, though limited to a one-day stock of 1,296 tins, is priced at Rs 154 to Rs 158 per litre. Mustard Oil (Engine), with 33,658 cases, supports a 25-day supply window.

Refined oil, both in tin and case stock formats, continues to meet demand adequately. Soya refined oil, with 6,007 tins, ensures 12 days of stock, and other variants offer up to 84 days of supply. Retail pricing is relatively moderate, staying between Rs 130 and Rs 160 per litre. Vanaspati oil, with 1,258 tins, remains available for 8 days at Rs 135 to Rs 159 per litre.

The report underlines a generally steady supply chain with strategic reserves for most commodities. However, items like suji, atta, and Kachi Ghani mustard oil warrant close monitoring due to limited stock duration. The administration remains proactive in tracking these dynamics to ensure food security and price stability for the residents of Silchar.