Delhi Govt calls meet to discuss price rise

Wary of an adverse electoral impact due to soaring prices of essential items, the Delhi Govt calls an emergency meeting on Monday to give relief to consumers.

Wary of an adverse electoral impact due to soaring prices of essential items, especially edible oil, Delhi govt has called an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the issue and take steps to give relief to consumers.

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"Prices of essential items, particularly edible oils, have spiralled and it is a matter of concern for the govt," Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit told reporters on the sidelines of a function here.

She said she has called an emergency meeting to deliberate the issue.
Assembly elections in the capital are due in five months and the Congress govt is worried that rising prices

could have an adverse impact on its poll performance.

In a bid to check rising prices of edible oil, the govt, sources said, might also look into the option of selling it through ration shops. It will be subsidised at the rate of Rs 15 per litre for the poor.

The Centre has in recent weeks cut import duties on edible oils to increase local supplies and tame inflation.

It has also allowed state govs to sell it through PDS at subsidised rate at Centre's expense.

The purchases can be made through four state-run firms -- STC, MMTC, PEC and NAFED, Chief Secretary Rakesh Mehta said.