Sri Vijaya Puram, October 29: Allegations of steeply inflated firecracker prices in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have prompted calls for an investigation into the festive trade, even as Lieutenant Governor Dr Dinesh Sharma has directed the administration to intensify market inspections and take action against black marketing and overpricing ahead of Diwali.
Social worker Sandeep Singh, in a representation to the Lieutenant Governor, alleged that firecrackers selling for around ₹200 in mainland markets were being sold for as much as ₹2,000 in the islands. He questioned whether transportation and distribution costs could justify such a substantial difference and sought an inquiry into the pricing practices of licensed dealers.
Singh claimed that a family spending ₹5,000 on firecrackers in the islands would receive significantly fewer products than a consumer spending the same amount in Chennai, Kolkata or Bengaluru.
“Why should something that costs ₹200 elsewhere be sold for ₹2,000 here?” Singh asked, urging the administration to examine the procurement costs, transportation expenses and profit margins of firecracker dealers.
The allegations come amid concerns over the cost of festive purchases in the islands, where geographical isolation and dependence on mainland supplies can add to transportation and distribution expenses.
However, the price differences cited by Singh have not been independently verified through comparisons of identical products, packaging and retail invoices.
Questions Over Pricing
Singh alleged that a limited number of businesses controlled a substantial share of the firecracker trade in the islands, allowing dealers considerable discretion in determining retail prices during the short festive season.
He urged the administration to examine the licensing arrangements governing the trade, citing examples of licences permitting quantities of 5,000 kg, 3,000 kg and 1,500 kg.
According to Singh, an investigation should establish whether dealers are complying with their licensing conditions and whether the prices charged to consumers reflect legitimate procurement, transportation, storage and distribution costs.
He also questioned the effectiveness of administrative oversight, alleging that unusually high prices had persisted for years without adequate intervention. However, no independently verified evidence was provided to substantiate allegations of administrative complicity.
Singh said the financial burden was particularly severe for lower-income families, whose children often expected to participate in Diwali celebrations alongside their neighbours.
He recalled being surprised by the limited quantity of firecrackers his family received during an earlier Diwali despite spending a substantial amount.
With consignments of firecrackers reportedly beginning to arrive in the islands, Singh urged the administration to investigate the matter before festive sales gathered momentum.
No response from the dealers concerned was available at the time of writing.
LG Orders Inspections
Separately, Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma has directed the administration and concerned departments to strengthen market surveillance and prevent black marketing and overpricing of Diwali-related goods.
The directions cover firecrackers, earthen lamps, puja materials and other essential commodities commonly purchased during the festival.
The Lieutenant Governor has instructed officials to conduct regular market inspections and surveys and initiate action against traders found selling goods above prescribed rates, wherever applicable.
Departments have also been asked to hold meetings with shopkeepers and traders’ associations to communicate pricing guidelines and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
The directions, however, do not establish that the specific prices cited by Singh violate existing rules. Any enforcement action would depend on the applicable regulations and the findings of inspections.
The Lieutenant Governor has also directed the Food Safety Department to conduct special inspection drives against adulteration in sweets and other food products during the festive season.
The Health Department has been instructed to keep medical officers, staff and emergency services prepared to deal with burn injuries and other Diwali-related accidents. Fire Services has similarly been asked to maintain operational readiness, with firefighting personnel and equipment available to respond to emergencies.
The effectiveness of the administration’s intervention will depend on whether inspections establish the actual extent of the alleged price disparities and determine if they arise from legitimate supply-chain costs or unfair trade practices.
For consumers in the islands, the immediate question is whether the prices charged for firecrackers are justified and whether the administration’s promised market surveillance will translate into meaningful relief before Diwali.
