Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 30: Firecracker wholesalers in South Andaman have been warned against selling products above the Maximum Retail Price (MRP), with the District Administration threatening legal action against violations of pricing and safety regulations ahead of Diwali. The warning follows a meeting with wholesalers and other stakeholders on October 29, held under the directions of Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dinesh Sharma to address consumer concerns over festive prices and the safe sale of firecrackers.
The Additional District Magistrate (ADM) chaired the meeting at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in South Andaman, where wholesalers raised concerns over the logistical difficulties and higher transportation costs involved in bringing firecrackers to the islands.
In response, the ADM directed wholesalers to adhere strictly to the MRP printed on firecracker products and comply with the applicable provisions of the Explosives Rules and prescribed safety requirements. The administration made clear that transportation expenses or other operational challenges would not exempt sellers from complying with the stipulated retail prices.
Any wholesaler or seller found charging more than the declared MRP or violating the Explosives Rules will face appropriate legal action under the applicable laws and regulations.
The meeting brought pricing compliance and public safety into focus as firecracker sales increase ahead of the festival. While wholesalers highlighted the additional costs associated with transporting goods to the islands, the administration’s directions placed responsibility on sellers to ensure that consumers receive products at their declared retail prices.
The administration has also urged residents to check the MRP before purchasing firecrackers and report suspected overcharging or other violations to the competent authorities.
The directions seek to address two concerns surrounding the festive trade: preventing consumers from being charged above the declared retail price and ensuring that firecracker sales comply with safety regulations.
The District Administration reiterated that consumer protection, fair pricing and public safety remain central to its approach to regulating the seasonal sale of firecrackers. However, the effectiveness of the directions will depend on compliance by wholesalers and retailers and the reporting of violations by consumers.
