Odisha govt blames Centre for hike in edible oil price

With edible oil price increasing about 60 per cent in a span of only six months, Odisha government Tuesday accused Centre of imposing excess taxes leading to price hike.

issue was discussed in assembly when opposition Congress blamed both state and Central government for putting common man in trouble by raising price of edible oil when people are battling ecomic impact of pandemic.

In reply during a discussion on admissibility of an adjournment motion on issue, Odishas Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare minister RP Swain admitted that price of edible oil has skyrocketed, during pandemic situation, for which he blamed Centre.

Centre, he said, has imposed 5.5 per cent GST, 17.5 per cent agricultural cess and 21 per cent import duty on edible oil.

While price of a litre of Palmolive oil was Rs 80 in October, it w costs Rs 126 per litre.

Mustard oil price has also increased from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per litre.

requirement of edible oil for Odisha is 3 million tonne per annum, minister said.

" state government has role in regulation of edible oil price as this is entire lookout of Centre," he said.

While 55 per cent of Palmolive oil is imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, mustard oil is procured from Gujarat and Rajasthan, and sunflower oil and soya oil are imported from Canada and USA.

hike in import duty has led to an increase in price of edible oil, Swain said.

Besides this, mustard oil price was raised because Centre hiked MSP of mustard oil seed by Rs 200 a quintal, minister said.

state government has taken several measures to check black marketing and adulteration of edible oil in Odisha.

Opposition Congress, which moved a tice for an adjournment motion on issue, said that state government and Central government have concern for people.

common man is suffering due to skyrocketing price of edible oil which is an essential ingredient of daily dishes, said Congress whip Taraprasad Bahinipati.

He was critical over central governments taxes on edible oil.

state government should take steps to raise domestic production of edible oil in state, said Bahinipati.

Production of mustard has been reduced by 50 per cent in Odisha due to lack of patron from state government, he said.

BJP Mohan Charan Majhi pointed out that despite remaining in power for 20 consecutive years, states BJD government has failed to increase production of edible oil seeds in Odisha.

It must take steps for increasing production of edible oil and should intensify action against adulteration, Majhi said.

BJP leader said state government cant escape from responsibilities just by blaming Centre on every issue.

Majhi said, state has failed to implement central government programmes to increase oil seed production in Odisha.

Government chief whip Pramila Mallick admitted that re has been reduction in oil seed production in state.

However, she claimed that state government has taken several measures to curb black marketing and adulteration of edible oil.