Amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011 were made by the Union Government in October 2016. Why?
Currently, there are measures to control wholesalers and importers and not retailers. Retail prices are fixed by market forces, leaving very little room for the government to check undue spike in prices. The amendments to the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, have a provision to fix retail price of any essential commodity. If retail sale price of any essential commodity is fixed and notified by the competent authority under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, the same shall apply. This rule will apply to essential commodities that are sold both in loose and packaged form in retail markets. Fixing retail prices of essential items will be done only in extra-ordinary situations when retail prices shoot up abnormally. Government can fix retail prices of essential commodities like pulses and sugar in extraordinary situations. This provision will help the government to take proactive steps in the interest of consumers.
