WhatsApp messages spice up rumours on salt and sugar prices, govt says no shortage

WhatsApp messages about shortage of sugar and salt created panic in some parts of the country today evening.

Reports also said that salt was being sold at exorbitant prices going as high as Rs 250 per kg, because of the shortage.

Fearing the number of days this would last, people crowded in front of the shops to buy salt and sugar.

However, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav refused that such a crisis and asked the district magistrates in the state to take strict measures against the people who spread this rumour.

Mumbai Police also tweeted, "Please do not believe in any rumours. There is no shortage of salt or any other necessary commodity nor any price hike info."

#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

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also refuted the rumours, "Some people are spreading rumours that there is shortage of salt and sugar, this is false."

Some people are spreading rumours that there is shortage of salt and sugar, this is false: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

Advisory pic.twitter.com/beE8BVZCBa Delhi Police (@DelhiPolice) November 11, 2016

Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Ram Vilas Paswan said that there is no shortage and appealed the state governments to take action against the person spreading rumours.

No shortage of salt, prices are the same. State Govts need to take action on those who spread rumours: Food minister Ram Vilas Paswan pic.twitter.com/v35TX3mctW ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016

I appeal state Govts to take action if any wrongdoing, or rumour mongering is taking place: Food minister Ram Vilas Paswan pic.twitter.com/Px3RslfNHd ANI (@ANI_news) November 11, 2016