As per the WPI for the month of May, 2014, there has been an increase of 40% in the wholesale price of the Potato as compared to their prices in March, 2014. Similarly, there was an increase of 30% in the Retail price of the Potato for the same period.

Further, modal rates of Potato was an increase of 37% to 114% from March, 2014 till June, 2014 in four Metropolitan cities of the country.

Annually around one to two lakhs tones of Potatoes are exported to various destinations. With a view to check the rising prices and augment domestic supplies, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry has decided to impose an MEP of USD 450 PMT FOB.

Minimum export price on potato exports imposed to stabilise domestic supply and restrain rising consumer prices. Imposition of a Minimum Export Price (MEP) on potato exports was announced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to check rising domestic prices and augment supplies, citing substantial wholesale, retail and modal rate increases between March and June 2014; the MEP is set at USD 450 per metric tonne FOB and is intended to discourage exports that could tighten local availability.