Food prices
Not only have prices of food items and those of daily use continuously been rising, gradually they are getting increasingly scarce. Prices of basic food items like wheat flour, rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, vegetables and meat are now going through the roof in the whole country, especially vegetable prices have touched new highs. Many vegetables have disappeared, and if they are available, their size has considerably reduced. Tomatoes of even bad quality have gone beyond the reach of the common people. Peas in Karachi are being sold for as high as Rs800 a kg. Same is the case with chicken and beef. The usual explanation offered by vegetable sellers is that rains and floods caused large-scale destruction of vegetable crops.
However, it is no longer a secret that certain mafias have contrived to push up prices by causing an artificial shortage of essential consumer goods. It is gradually being revealed that mafias have resorted to large-scale hoarding of food items and other consumer goods. Their intention is to topple the Imran Khan government. The opposition parties are also building up pressure on the government through their public rallies, and their allies have lately become hyperactive in causing shortage of daily-use items. Both national and international commentators say opposition parties are now working on the following strategy: force the government either to give in to their demands or to get ready to be sent packing.
We have been witnessing an unstoppable increase in food prices for more than a year. This game of cornering essential commodities, artificial shortages and high prices are not difficult to perceive. This unusual price hike is basically engineered. The solution is simple. Surfeit the market with supplies and prices will see a quick decline. In this situation, what is needed is effective and sustained action against the culprits. If the government fails to do so, it will continue to flounder.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 30th, 2020.
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