100 fair-price shops to be set up in garrison city

After bread ovens unilaterally raised prices of naan (flatbread) in the district, price control officers of the Rawalpindi district administration have been directed to ensure that wheat is supplied at the official rate for a 20-kilogramme bag of wheat flour.

A spokesperson of the district administration said that the provincial government had fixed the price of flour at Rs860 for a 20kg bag of wheat flour. This, he said, was part of the deal with the naanbai association to keep the prices of flatbread stagnant. But with wheat flour prices rising, the naanbais had also raised prices of flatbread to cover costs.

In this regard, the district administration has decided to make arrangements to ensure the availability of flour at the fixed prices. This includes setting up some 100 fair price shops across the district. These sale points will ensure an uninterrupted supply of wheat flour at the fixed rates.

Meanwhile, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Captain (retired) Anwarul Haq directed officers to ensure the uninterrupted supply of flour and other necessary items to residents, particularly at the wholesale markets for their onward supply to retail markets. Further, he warned shopkeepers of strict action if they violate the official price lists for essential commodities.

The official said that the local administration has a sufficient stock of wheat stock to fulfil the needs of Rawalpindi’s residents.

He advised the citizens to call the helpline: 0800-0234, to register complaints about profiteering and hoarding.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 29^th, 2020.