The government today said that hoarding and profiteering are the main reasons for price rise. Replying to a discussion on the issue in the Lok Sabha, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Ram Vilas Paswan said the government has taken several measures to contain the price rise. He said price rise of tomatoes, potatoes and other vegetables during the month from June to October is a normal phenomenon. Paswan said due to lack of proper storage of vegetables and fruits, the government is unable to contain prices despite sufficient production.

Elaborating the measures taken by the Government the Minister said that 50 lakh Metric Tonne rice has been released to the States where Food Security Act has been implemented. He said government has fixed minimum export price of potato and tomato to contain price rise. The minister said states have been asked to fix storage limit of onion and potato to address the menace of hoarding. Mr. Paswan assured the House that there is no crisis of sugar in the country.

Expressing dissatisfaction over government reply, congress members staged walk out from the House.