Hyderabad: old city scenario, Even meat product prices surge

Charminar: With the government announcing lockdown till March 31, people in Old City rushed to buy essentials triggering hike in prices. Not only grocery items, but vegetables and even meat products touched a new high before police could contain the situation by forcing down the shutters of the shops.

The panic-driven customers were seen purchasing items in bulk fearing worsening of the situation in the coming days. Seeing the commotion, the anxiety levels of consumers only rose higher leading to more panic buying and hoarding.

When The Hans India reporter visited the shops in Old City, everyone was in a hurry to buy essentials. While the shop owners remained cautious not to attract the attention of the police, amidst cries of 'pehle mereku dho bhai' (first give it to me). At one of the biggest markets in Old City, Mir-Alam Mandi, policemen were seen intervening at regular intervals to contain the panic buying. But when things went out of control and created traffic jams, the Mir Chowk police forced the shutters down of the stores. "The lockdown has created a fear among the public. If the grocery stores are open, what is the need to panic and they could purchase without any haste and trouble," said an official.

At the meat stores, huge crowds were witnessed leading to a hike in prices. Mutton which was sold between Rs 600 and Rs 800 in normal days, touched Rs 1,000 per kg, while beef sold at prices between Rs 280 and Rs 300 was being sold at Rs 500 per kg. "If the prices go up like this for essential items, how can a lower middle class survive? asked, Imtiyaz Ali, a resident of Moghalpura.

Akhlaq Ansari, a customer who purchased groceries for over a month, said, "The lockdown may be extended beyond March 31 if the authorities failed to control Carona spread.