The exorbitant price rise of goods in the market was one of the issues raised during the question hour session of the National Assembly on Friday. The Monggar MP, Ugyen Wangdi from the Dramedtse-Ngatshang constituency said the rise in the price of essential commodities has affected especially the low-income group.
The Monggar MP questioned the Economic Affairs Minister on measures and the support system that are put in place to solve these issues.
Economic Affairs Minister Loknath Sharma said the price of goods has increased from the source. “If we import products from Thailand to Kolkata port the price has increased by 55%. From Kolkata to Phuentshogling the price has increased by 33%.” Lyonpo said the COVID-19 protocols and increase in fuel prices have also added to the factors that contributed to the hike in the price of goods.
To counter these issues, Lyonpo said the government is encouraging e-commerce a wholesale and distribution system in the country. Lyonpo also said the government is encouraging “The government is also providing subsidies to local farm producers to increase the production,” Lyonpo added.
To address these problems, Lyonpo said the ministry’s secretary met the commerce secretary of India recently.
On Thursday, the opposition leader asked the Finance Minister why the reduction in customs duty to 10% did not benefit the consumers. He said the price of the commodities in the market has not changed.
The Finance Minister said the price of consumer goods from third countries has not dropped because of the rise in the cost of production and transportation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And if it was not 10%, the price would be way higher.
Choni Dema
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
