Lucknow: Supply chain streamlines a bit but many buyers return empty-handed

LUCKNOW: The supply chain mechanism of essential commodities streamlined a bit on the fifth day of the lockdown on Sunday, but people in several localities complained that local grocers are sending them back empty-handed saying that items like flour, rice, pulses and branded food are out of stock.
District magistrate (DM) Abhishek Prakash said efforts are being made to strengthen supply chain further.“Over 9,200 households were supplied ration, fruits and vegetables through home delivery by private service providers on Sunday,” he said.

Around 62 outlets of 13 retail and online supermarkets have been permitted home delivery in the city.
Officers on Sunday inspected godowns of a app-based supermarket, 10 wholesalers and 75 grocery retailers to check availability of stocks. “We have directed wholesale traders to ensure proper supply to retailers facing shortage of essential items on priority basis,” Prakash said. On complaints that the app-based supermarkets are giving date of delivery after 10-15 days because of backlog, he said “We have asked them to include 50% old orders and 50% new in the total delivery they do daily.”
The DM further said that total 1,500 people were supplied medicines through home delivery by 91 pharma suppliers authorised by the administration.
“Telephone lines of supermarkets remained busy all day and local groceries said they are out of stock,” said Abhigyan Singh, a Gomtinagar resident, who visited several stores for 45-kg flour after he could not connect supermarkets on phone.
Shashi Singh of Aliganj said “If you need anything urgently, local grocer is the only option, but they too show us empty shelves,” he added.
Supermarket managers said that lines are busy because of a steady stream of calls. “We try to cater to maximum possible houses daily,” said a manager.