High prices of commodities irk Rahim Yar Khan residents

Citizens complain vendors sell low quality vegetables and fruits

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Undeterred by raids conducted by the district administration which has arrested dozens of profiteers during crackdowns, prices of essential commodities continue to soar.

Prices of many essential commodities, including pulses, sugar, vegetables, rice, fruits etc have skyrocketed in city’s open market that has affected the buying capacity of the consumers.

The government holds meetings with stakeholders each year ahead of the holy month of Ramazan, without assessing the local production of various crops, demand and supply gap, import and export of commodities, etc. As a result, rates are fixed on the higher side on the pressure of market players. For the past few years, the government has been issuing monthly wholesale and retail prices which do not match with the rates prevailing in the market.

Many retailers display official price lists to avoid fines on random checking by officials, but they literally ignore lists and resort to overcharging.

To make matters worse, hoarders have started storing various daily use commodities that has resulted in artificial shortage of items in the market.



A random market survey by Express News revealed that vegetables and fruits are being sold in the market on higher rates against the price set by the district administration.

Citizens told Express News that despite charging higher prices, vendors and shopkeepers are not selling quality food products, fruits and vegetables. They said most vegetables and fruits fail to meet quality requirements and are being sold openly in the markets.

They demanded of the government and officials concerned to address the issue and provide relief to the people.

However, sources in district administration say that measures are being taken to monitor and control prices of the food items

In view of the situation, the government’s claim of providing products on discounted and cheap rates seems to be a distant dream for the people of Rahim Yar Khan. The officials and magistrates pay visits to the markets but they fail to enforce their writ and shopkeepers continue to sell items on increased rates.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2018.