No uniformity in food prices as traders go their own way

A few hotels, restaurants, and wayside eateries in Kozhikode have unilaterally increased the prices of various food items, citing a shortage of commercial liquefied gas cylinders and rising prices of essential commodities. The price disparity came to light after some customers openly challenged the move by traders, many of whom had not even displayed the revised rates on their price lists.

Local mess houses and food cart operators have also been found charging higher prices, allegedly due to a lack of surprise inspections. Hostel students, too, say the price rise is particularly evident in online food delivery services.

“It is not just local customers, elected local body representatives are also aware of the illegal practice. Even after some Kozhikode Corporation councillors raised the issue for serious discussion at a recent council meeting, no action has been initiated by the authorities,” says Sangeetha Muraleedharan, a Kudumbashree worker from Eranhipalam. She alleges that traders charging unfair prices have little regard for customers’ rights.

A leader of an autorickshaw drivers’ union in Kozhikode city says local food traders have started displaying their own price boards. The authorities should verify whether traders can revise prices independently without adhering to the prescribed rules, he adds.

The price disparity is particularly evident near prominent tourist spots, bus stands, hospitals, streets and malls. Tea prices, too, vary widely, with some local vendors charging ₹10 a cup while some restaurants charge over ₹15, citing various reasons. Complaints have also been raised against multiplexes for allegedly charging exorbitant rates in the name of providing air-conditioned space.

Leaders of the District Consumer Protection Committee say the District Supply Office, responsible for monitoring price fluctuations, has remained silent and failed to act on public complaints. They say the Corporation’s move to hold discussions with the Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association is unlikely to have any impact.

“The District Collector should also intervene, as many complaints have surfaced over the price disparity,” says T.K.A. Azeez, district president of the Consumer Protection Committee in Kozhikode. He adds a meeting of the Food Advisory Committee, pending for months, should be convened at the earliest to address public concerns.

Meanwhile, functionaries of the Hotel and Restaurant Owners Association say there is no unreasonable price hike at any of the establishments under their control. They add that they are ready to explain their position at any meeting convened by the authorities in the wake of consumers’ protests.