Guwahati : The Assam government has directed strict action, including cancellation of trade licences, against shops and commercial establishments found charging abnormal prices amid the recent increase in fuel costs and rising prices of essential commodities across the state.

The decision was taken after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma reviewed the state’s price monitoring mechanism on Monday and instructed officials to intensify surveillance to prevent unjustified price escalation and ensure market stability.

“Our government and administration are keeping a close eye on the market and will not allow any unfair price rise. I have instructed officials in every district to keep a tab on prices of items and take stringent action against any defaulter,” Sarma said in a social media post.

During the review meeting, the chief minister directed Deputy Commissioner-led District Monitoring Committees to convene within the next three to four days and undertake intensive field-level inspections to identify abnormal pricing practices in local markets.

He also instructed district administrations to hold weekly meetings with chambers of commerce and trade bodies to monitor commodity price fluctuations and maintain coordination with traders.

In another key measure, the state government made it mandatory for shops and wholesale outlets across Assam to prominently display retail and wholesale prices in order to ensure transparency for consumers.

The chief minister further stressed expeditious Aadhaar seeding of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana to eliminate duplication in LPG cylinder distribution.

The state government’s intervention comes amid growing public concern over rising prices of daily essentials following the recent Rs 3 per litre increase in fuel prices.

A shopkeeper in Guwahati said prices of several commodities had increased sharply in recent days. “Today’s fresh stock has seen a rise of Rs 10 to Rs 20. The price of one egg tray two days ago was Rs 180. We have also learned that bread prices have increased,” the trader said.

He added that retailers were facing mounting pressure due to higher procurement costs.

“We are facing difficulties while purchasing commodities as the price surge demands higher investment. Customers often question us when they see the revised prices. Purchasing capacity has also declined, as people are buying only essential items,” he said.

Residents in Guwahati also voiced concern over the impact of rising fuel prices on household expenses and commodity costs.

“This is completely wrong. I would request the state government to reduce the hike in petrol, diesel and commodities instead of offering free money through schemes. We only need lower prices for goods and essentials,” a resident said.

Another resident warned that continued inflation could create serious hardship for common people. “If prices continue rising instead of coming down, we will face a crisis. Our only request to the government is to provide relief from these soaring prices,” the resident said.

Earlier, members of the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS) staged protests against the post-poll hike in fuel prices and the resulting increase in commodity costs across the state.