The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Fast observed

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Wednesday, Jul 09, 2008
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Fast observed

Staff Reporter

CHENNAI: Members of Tamil Nadu, Pondy Plastic Manufacturers and Merchants Association observed a daylong fast here on Monday demanding that the Central government take measures to control the escalating price of plastic raw material.

Association president G.Sankaran said the price of polypropylene, one of the key inputs, rose by Rs.40 a kg to Rs.115 in three months. Accusing manufacturers of creating artificial scarcity, he said another Rs.20 per kg was the premium that many units pay to get the raw materials on time.

The association members charged that though there was enough production of raw material, the manufacturers were creating an artificial scarcity by exporting a significant quantity.

There are about 8,000 plastic products manufacturing units in the State and Puducherry, including 3,000 units in Chennai. Several of them are on the brink of closure owing to the spiralling input cost, he said.

This has also led to an increase in the retail price of plastic products of daily use.

A plastic mug, which was sold for Rs.10 in March, now costs Rs.16. An 18-litre plastic pot, which cost Rs.36 in March, is now priced at Rs.55, Mr.Sankaran said.

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