Prices of TVs and Luxury Items rise due to floods in Thailand

New Delhi: An emergency cabinet meeting was called today after inflation hit an all time high. Even as food prices and prices of essential commodities continue to rise the govt has now been hit with a bigger problem. Prices of luxury items like branded perfumes , LED and LCD TVs etc have shot thru the roof due to floods in Thailand.

Thailand has always been a favorite destination for 'importers' to bring (read smuggle) in branded electronics for cheep to sell in the Indian market." The rains and subsequent flooding in Bangkok has resulted in shortage of TVs and other electronic devices in the market resulting in unusually high prices" said Mr Patnayak an 'importer'. Even as lacks of people are dying of hunger demand for bigger and bigger LEDs and LCDs is growing rapidly and with Thailand reeling under floods prices for the same have skyrocketed.

It is not only causing problem to buyers but also astonishingly to custom officials at various international airports in the country. "With no flights coming in from Thailand we are having very few 'collections' " said an official on condition of  anonymity. Interestingly on paper the custom tax collection for the past week has not been any different from when the same airport would welcome over 3 flights daily from Bangkok.

The problem is so grave that Mr Manmohan Singh had to call an emergency cabinet meeting. "The seriousness of the situation was apparent when Mr Singh decided to chair the meeting himself instead of just listening like in all prior cabinet meetings" said one of the senior cabinet ministers who looked totally drained after a very hectic meeting. Sources informed that External Affairs Minister Sri S.M.Krishna has been asked to take up the matter directly with the Govt of Thailand and open a channel of trade at the earliest. "This is a matter of grave significance. It affects the common man. How will he be able to enjoy the F1 race and the Cricket Matches to be held if 3D LED TVs will not be available in the market" said a senior leader who did not wish to be named.

Meanwhile it has been learnt that food prices have shot up so high that Rs 32 a day can no longer even fetch a piece of bread and some dal.