Authorities and trade associations who blamed multinationals for causing the scare, urged the people not to be taken in by the rumours as salt supplies were in abundance with wholesalers.

Reports in newspapers this morning, saying that in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh there was a crisis and salt was being sold for Rs 60, set alarm bells ringing in Delhi homes.

A West Delhi shop, which on an average day sells 20 to 25 one-kg packets of salt, today sold 1,000 packets within two hours of opening. The shop owner seeing people purchasing 10 kg of salt at a go finally had to ration it.Shopkeepers all over the city said there was absolutely no problem till yesterday. This morning they were shocked to see the queues outside their stores. Since such a situation had not been envisaged, most shops had only stocks whichthey sell on a normal day.

Meanwhile, Delhi Government has urged people to remain calm and not be taken in by the rumours. Shopkeepers were also warned not to hike up the price of this essential commodity.

Delhi Food and Civil Supplies Minister Poornima Sethi said: ``I have received reports not only from Delhi, but other states as well. My officers will be working to dispel such rumours.'' She added: ``This is the handiwork of Opposition parties.''