Chaos reigns supreme at markets

Patiala, March 26

Even as relaxations to deliver essential items on the doorsteps of the consumers were accorded by the district administration, residents thronged markets in the city early in the morning.

At Rajpura vegetable market, hundreds of people were seen purchasing vegetables, oblivious to social distancing.

The residents started venturing out of their houses in the morning looking out for vendors crossing their streets. Soon they formed queues and otherwise, gathered around the delivery vans to purchase the commodities. Vendors also sold vegetables from vehicles parked on roadsides in localities, including Arya Samaj area, Sanauri gate, and others, making a quick buck.

While the supply of commodities remained low, the residents were forced to buy products at high prices. Potato, otherwise, available at Rs 20 per kg was being sold at Rs 50 per kg. A bunch of coriander leaves were beain sold at Rs 50. While some vendors regretted low supply of fruits, other lamented unavailability of vegetables.

Apprehensive about future unavailability of commodities, the residents resorted to panic-buying.

By afternoon, residents tried placing orders via phone calls. Of nearly 20 calls made to different providers, only one phone call was answered. Others were either unavailable or were busy.

A vendor at a retail brand at Leela Bhawan asked to send the list of grocery items required online through Whatsapp. The listed items were not delivered by the evening, while the vendor lamented there was low supply of vegetables. — TNS