A sharp spike in food prices has left Kashmiri households reeling, following the government’s decision to remove regulatory oversight on important commodities. The deregulation move has plunged Kashmir deep without price controls, making essentials increasingly out of reach for many families.
Recent years have seen rising food costs, which have now escalated following this decision from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, which deemed previous regulatory mechanisms obsolete. This shift means local vendors and traders wield full control over pricing, leading to extreme price fluctuations. Currently, peas are priced at Rs 180 per kg, tomatoes are going for Rs 80, and potatoes are marked at Rs 50. Perhaps most alarming is the price of mutton, which has soared to Rs 700 per kg.
“Prices used to be consistent across markets because of regulation. Now it’s like a free-for-all,” explains Manzoor Ahmad, who resides in Srinagar uptown. This deregulation has brought with it significant challenges, pushing families to reconsider their food choices drastically.
Households throughout the valley are now grappling with immediate consequences as pricing becomes unpredictable. Each neighborhood experiences price variations for the same products, making budgeting and planning expenses incredibly difficult. The scenario has also uncovered Kashmir’s vulnerability to supply chain disruptions.
Kashmir relies heavily on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway for the delivery of necessary goods. Frequent closures due to harsh weather and landslides contribute to the uncertainty of food supply, allowing traders to exploit the situation and drive prices even higher. Given these factors, the rise of food prices feels like part of larger systemic issues.
The surge in the price of mutton has become symbolic of the crisis impacting the community. Traditionally, mutton is more than just food; it holds cultural significance and is central to local cuisine. With its steep price increase, many households are now forced to reconsider their usual family gatherings and traditions.
Bashir Ahmad runs a small eatery and sees the effects of these price changes firsthand: “Our costs have doubled, but we can’t pass them on to customers without losing business.” This sentiment resonates with many small business owners who are caught between rising costs and the need to maintain customer loyalty.
For homemakers like Saleema Akhtar, the scenario is disheartening. “We have had to make tough choices, cutting back on what we eat,” she explains. “It’s not just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of survival.” With such stark realities facing families, the rising prices have quickly turned from abstract numbers to real-life challenges.
Overall, the lack of regulation following the government decision has prompted allegations of profiteering from traders, as they capitalize on the absence of price enforcement. Locals express frustration at what they perceive as the government's failure to understand the specific logistical challenges unique to the region.
This current crisis not only puts added financial strain on families but also threatens traditional practices and local economies. Those affected are now left questioning the government's next steps and whether any corrective measures will be taken to stabilize the situation. Will this deregulated system become the norm, or will there be renewed oversight to protect the people of Kashmir?
