The Government has put in place a weekly monitoring mechanism to keep a close watch on availability of essential commodities and moderating of prices under the Chairmanship of Secretary, Consumer Affairs with representatives from Department of Commerce, Food, Agriculture, Revenue among others and also from Cabinet Secretariat. 

The Committee has directed the agencies like MMTC, SFAC and NAFED to get in touch with States and also with SAFAL to supply imported dals through retail outlets. The retail and wholesale prices of commodities in various markets were reviewed medium and long term strategy to increase availability of essential commodities and moderate prices were discussed. 

Secretary, Consumer Affairs through video conference has discussed arrangements for distribution of imported pulses as well as 3000 tons of onions with State Governments. 

Stock limits have already been imposed on Pulses and State Governments have been requested to take strict action against hoarding and black-marketing and use available provisions and powers under Essential Commodities Act. Future trading in Pulses like Urad and Tur has already been suspended. Export of Pulses has been banned and there is zero duty on import of Pulses. 

As regards Onions, to increase availability in the domestic market, Minimum Export Price has been raised initially from US$ 250 per MT to US$ 425 per MT and later to US$700 per MT. Stock limits for Onions have further been extended for one year till July, 2016. 

Prices of onions have come down, as regards pulses, further increase in prices has been arrested and in the coming days with the import of pulses prices are likely to show a declining trend.