Berhampur: People in Paralakhemundi resorted to panic buying on Saturday, one day ahead of three-day intense shutdown in the town, Gosani block, Gumma block and Ranipentha panchayat of Kasinagar block in Gajapati district from June 28 to 30 to check spread of coronavirus.
With the demand going up, the retailers jacked up the prices on the day. Tomato that was available at Rs 20 a kg last week was sold at Rs 50, while papaya price shot up to Rs 25 per piece against Rs 10 earlier.
Similarly, brinjal price increased from Rs 20 to 40 per kg and onion from Rs 35 to 40, while other vegetables were sold at 30 to 50 per cent more.
Earlier, Gajapati collector Anupam Saha had declared that the shops and business establishments in Paralakhemundi town, Gosani block, Gumma block and Ranipentha panchayat of Kasinagar block would remain open from 5 am to 9 pm on June 27 to enable the public to buy vegetables and grocery items for three-day shutdown.
The district has reported 427 corona positive cases including 16 new ones in the last 24 hours. The new cases were reported from Gosani, Gumma and Rayagada blocks.
