Prices of essentials soar in Rahim Yar Khan

Price lists issued by local administration are not being followed

RAHIM YAR KHAN: Prices of many essential commodities have skyrocketed in open markets across Rahim Yar Khan. Profiteers and hoarders have crossed all limits, selling food items at higher prices in the district, thus increasing the burden on the common man.



While speaking to Express News, citizens complained that the district administration have lost control over the prices of commodities, profiteering and hoarding. They said the prices of various food items have shot up in local markets. They pointed out that shopkeepers have increased the prices on their own while the district administration has failed to keep a check on them.

The locals added that in absence of a concrete monitoring system by price control magistrates, shopkeepers and retailers are overcharging customers without fear.

People in markets said that the price lists issued by the local administration are not being followed as shopkeepers kept blatantly ignoring them. Most wholesalers and retailers, particularly those selling fruits, are enjoying free reign, fleecing consumers.

A survey of different markets revealed that mangoes are being sold at higher rates as compared to the rates fixed by the district administration.

Similarly, rates of different vegetables being sold in markets have also witnessed a sharp increase. The consumers complained that prices could only be reduced if the administration launches a crackdown against the profiteers.



People have demanded the government take notice of the price hike and take measures to control it. They suggested that deputy commissioners and price control magistrates be deployed at different markets so that profiteering could be controlled.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2018.