Food Minister Prof. K V Thomas has said the government is taking all possible measures to contain the prices of essential commodities including onion. Intervening in a Short Duration Discussion on the abnormal rise in the prices of essential commodities in the Rajya Sabha today, he said the government is committed to ensure their supply and distribution. He admitted that the inflation due to food articles was slightly on the rise. Prof. Thomas said the overall rate of inflation was 5.9 per cent in July this year compared 7.5 per cent in July last year. Referring to onion, the minister said this year its production has come down by 9 lakh tonnes. He said some traders had taken the advantage of the situation by hoarding stocks. He said several state governments have also conducted raids.