Srinagar, Jan. 17 : With persistent snowfall and closure of the highway linking the State with rest of the country, residents in Kashmir valley are having a tough time due to a price-rise of all essential commodities.

Shopkeepers say that they are not getting adequate material and thus, it has an affect on the market price.

"First we have to get the goods to sell before ten days and then we sell it accordingly. If the road is blocked, the shopkeepers (wholesale) increase the rates. If we have the stuff, we will also increase it accordingly," said Shabir Ahmed, a shopkeeper.

Residents are complaining that local shopkeepers in Srinagar and other parts of valley are resorting to hoarding and selling items at black market rates.

People here want the government to look into the price-mechanism of essential commodities.

"Today, I bought 250 grams lemon for rupees 10 and as the rain started, now the shopkeepers have increased it to rupees 15 and also of even other vegetables. We feel the government should have a check and impose price controlling. The shopkeepers should be arranged plenty of vegetables so that the prices do not increase," said Mohammed Razaq, a local resident of Srinagar.

North Kashmir is experiencing a heavy snowfall. (ANI)