NEW DELHI: Under attack over rising prices, government on Wednesday announced a slew of measures, including Rs 15 a litre subsidy on edible oil, while vowing to take tough measures against hoarders and cartels of steel and cement manufacturers.

The Prime Minister is also contemplating calling a meeting of chief ministers to discuss the steps needed to tackle the rising prices.

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar announced the subsidy on edible oil, which would now be sold through PDS, besides import of one million tons of cooking medium to improve the supply situation as parts of efforts to fight inflation.

At the same time, Finance Minister P Chidambaram warned of a crackdown against hoarders and said government would do every thing in its powers to tackle cartelisation by steel and cement manufacturers.

The government response came in the Lok Sabha during a discussion on rising prices during which Opposition and Left allies launched a scathing attack on its failure to tackle soaring inflation before staging a walkout.

Chidambaram said the states should take stern action and Prime Minister has already written to chief ministers to invoke provisions under Essential Services and Maintenance Act.

During the discussion in Rajya Sabha, Chidambaram said, "I hope governor (RBI) is listening to this debate and take appropriate measures".

Source : PTI