 "Worried over salt? Manufacturers say no need to panic as enough supply available")
Laying aside rumours of shortage of salt that has created panic among consumers across the country since Friday night, Indian Salt Manufactures Association (ISMA) has assured that more than enough salt is available in India and people need not worry about supply.
"We have surplus production over consumption and because of it India will not face shortage of edible salt. These are mere rumours and people need not worry about supply," said Bharat Rawal, president of ISMA.
India produces 27.6 million tonnes of salt a year. Of this, 11.4 million tonnes goes for industrial purposes, six million tonnes for edible use and 6.6 million tonnes is exported. Gujarat is the major producer, at around 22.7 million tonnes a year, followed by Rajasthan at 2.4 million tonnes and Tamil Nadu at nearly two million tonnes.
Amid rumours of a salt shortage in Gujarat, Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) and Uttar Pradesh, salt prices hiked over Rs 400 per kg in retail markets. Actual prices of salt are Rs 15 per kg in retail.
The central government also assured on Saturday that there was no shortage of salt. State governments too assured the availability of salt at reasonable prices.
"This may be someone's mala fide intention to spread such rumours. We have stock that can supply for next three to four months and new season has also started, resulting in further salt production. In this condition, shortage is not possible," Rawal added.
The Centre has also checked the price situation of salt in other states as well and there has not been any increase in the prices of the essential commodity.
Jayesh Radadiya, civil supply minister of Gujarat, said, "Gujarat is the highest salt producing state and therefore there is no chance of any shortage and rise in the prices. It is mere rumours and citizens need not panic."