Cabinet Secretary reviews Prices and Availability of Essential Commodities The Cabinet Secretary, Shri P.K. Sinha has reviewed the prices and availability of essential commodities, especially pulses, tomatoes, onions and edible oils in an inter-ministerial meeting held here today. It was observed that the increase in prices of tomatoes and onions is largely on account of disruption of supplies due to heavy rains in the southern States which is expected to be temporary. The situation is expected to ease in coming days. The issue of quality specifications was resolved and the procurement of essential commodities is expected to pick-up in the coming weeks. With the new arrivals, the situation is expected to further improve. The situation regarding procurement of mustard oil is being regularly monitored. Necessary steps are being taken with regard to the seized stocks by the State governments and their expeditious disposal.