Amid chaos and across the nation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes, rumours were rife on 11 November that the price of salt has gone up across the nation.
However, authorities have come forward to slam the rumour mongers and cleared the air assuring people that the salt price hike is just a rumour and that there was no shortage of salt or shortage of any commodity for that matter.
"No shortage of salt, prices are the same. State Governments need to take action on those who spread rumours," Food Minister Ram Vilas Paswan.
Delhi Food and Supplies Minister Imran Hussain also held meeting at his residence to discuss the issue of black marketing of salt, sugar & other commodities.
Watch: Salt shortage rumours trigger panic buying sprees.
#WATCH: Panic among people after rumours of salt shortage in UP, authorities say there is no shortage (visuals from Allahabad) pic.twitter.com/batUz6ylhM
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 11, 2016
Mumbai police also took to Twitter to warn people about the salt price hike rumours.
Please do not believe in any rumours. There is no shortage of #salt or any other necessary commodity nor any price hike information.
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 11, 2016
#RumourAlert Strict action will be taken against all rumour mongers claiming shortage/price hike of #salt
— Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) November 11, 2016
Hyderabad Police commissioner also affirmed that there was no shortage of salt anywhere in the country and there was ample of salt available in Hyderabad and other states.
Commerce Minister, Nirmala Sitharam assured that there was no shortage of edible salt anywhere in the country and the police was looking into the matter.
1. No shortage in the supply of edible salt.Baseless rumors being spread. Salt Commissioner& Jt.Secretary Shri Raghavendra monitoring ....
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 11, 2016
2.the situation. Asst.Salt Commissioners reporting from the field. No shortage. Monitoring will be on-going. Feedback may be given #mociseva
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) November 11, 2016
Some shopkeepers in Uttar Pradesh were selling salt for Rs 400/kg as soon as the rumours of the salt hike spread.
The panic-stricken shopkeepers shut their shops following the spread of the rumour.
Allahabad: Panic among people after rumours of salt shortage in UP, authorities say there is no shortage pic.twitter.com/z6XqOuXHsq
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 11, 2016
There have also been reports of panic buying sprees in several parts of the National Capital Region (NCR).
Read More: Uttar Pradesh: Panic among people after rumours of salt shortage