Rise in food prices remains unchecked

District admins struggle to ensure uniform supply of essential commodities

LAHORE:

Despite a huge public outcry against unprecedented inflation, the government has failed to rein in the prices of essential commodities, including seasonal fruit and vegetables.

A survey of different city markets indicates that the district administration has set up Sahulat Kiosks at greengrocers shops in various areas of the metropolis but it failed to ensure the supply of essential commodities.

Initially, these kiosks were aimed to sell onion, tomato, potato, green chilli, garlic and ginger at a controlled rate. However, owing to the negligence of the officials concerned standees carrying local administration branding has been displayed but no commodity is available to sell at controlled price.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, a greengrocer highlighted that the officials of the assistant commissioner office had placed the standees at his shop with a promise to provide selected commodities at official rate to rein in skyrocketing prices of essential commodities. However, no commodity is provided to sell at official rates.

Weekly review of commodity prices shows that the price of new soft skin A-grade potato had gained Rs2 per kg to Rs76-82. However, in most areas a blended potato variety was traded above Rs100 per kg.

Similarly, price of A-grade onion witnessed an increase of Rs11 per kg as its price was fixed at Rs68-73 per kg. However, it was sold for Rs100 per kg while B-grade onions were traded for Rs80 per kg.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 19^th, 2022.