Steady and continuous rise in prices of tomato and onion without any plausible reason indicates possibility of hoarding of these commodities,” the government said in a statement.

New Delhi: Concerned over rising tomato and onion prices in the city, the Delhi government directed the food and civil supplies commissioner to act against hoarding.  Food and supply minister Imran Hussain reviewed the issue of price hike of onion and tomato at a meeting with department officers.

“The minister expressed his concern regarding rising prices of tomato and onion. He directed the officers to take effective action against hoarders, black-marketers, etc. Steady and continuous rise in prices of tomato and onion without any plausible reason indicates possibility of hoarding of these commodities,” the government said in a statement.

Mr Hussain, it stated, directed his department to carry out “intense inspections” of wholesale markets such as Azadpur Mandi, Okhla Mandi, Ghazipur Mandi and Keshopur Mandi. The minister also directed inspection of retail markets in different parts of Delhi.

The teams were also ordered to conduct surprise visits at different city markets early in the morning, as food items reach wholesale markets at night and are sold to retail markets around 3 am. He also directed the food and civil supplies department to send inspection reports to him everyday. “The minister directed the officers to take effective action against hoarders and black-marketers,” the statement added.