Global Turmoil Driving Prices, Says Minister Sushanta Chowdhury
Aug 31, 2026Tripura Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Monday attributed the rising prices of essential commodities to global inflation, international conflicts, transportation costs and supply-chain pressures, while rejecting claims that prices of all essential goods are higher in the state compared to other parts of the country.
Replying to a question raised by Congress MLA Gopal Roy in the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Chowdhury said the post-Covid inflationary trend, the prevailing international situation and wars across the world had affected commodity prices and the availability of goods.
The minister said Tripura’s geographical location in the Northeast also contributed to higher transportation costs, as several essential commodities have to be transported into the state from outside. He said national price trends, transportation expenses, supply conditions and local market factors collectively influence retail prices in the state.
Chowdhury said the government had reviewed the price situation with officials and compared prices in Tripura with the national price index. He maintained that it would be incorrect to claim that every essential commodity is costlier in Tripura than in other states.
The minister said the government was taking measures to cushion consumers from rising market prices through the public distribution system (PDS). Around 22,000 tonnes of rice are required every month for the state’s ration system, he said, adding that the government’s paddy procurement programme was also being utilised to ensure rice supplies for the PDS.
He said efforts were also being made to strengthen the supply of sugar, edible oil, pulses and other essential commodities through the ration network. The Centre, he added, had taken steps to provide sugar to around 1.13 lakh Antyodaya households in Tripura.
On concerns over the quality of ration rice, Chowdhury said the Food and Civil Supplies Department was monitoring the quality, supply and distribution of foodgrains.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition over rising rice prices and the growing burden on households, the minister said the government could not directly control prices in the private market beyond the provisions of existing laws. However, he assured the House that the government was monitoring market conditions, availability and the entire supply chain, from producers and distributors to wholesalers and retailers.
The discussion later turned political, with the Agriculture Minister defending the increase in farmers’ income and criticising the CPI(M) over its approach to agricultural issues.
The government maintained that it was regularly monitoring the prices and availability of essential commodities and would consider subsidies and other support measures whenever necessary.
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