Prices of essentials to be fixed with traders’ input

Traders rejects government's proposal to set a uniform price for grocery items across Punjab

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi district administration and the Central Kariyana Merchants Association have decided to jointly establish a new mechanism for re-fixing prices on essential grocery items such as pulses, sugar, and rice.

Until the finalisation of this mechanism, grocery shops will be exempt from fines issued by the price magistrate.

The Central Karyana Merchant Association, however, has rejected the government's proposal to set a uniform price for grocery items across Punjab, emphasising that over 15 districts, including Rawalpindi, are not producers themselves.

The association pointed out that commodities like pulses, rice, sugar, and flour are sourced from districts like Sargodha, Khushab, and Faisalabad, incurring additional expenses for transportation, loading and unloading, and various taxes.

Read Provincial, dist price control panels formed

President of Markazi Karyana Merchant Association, Rawalpindi, Saleem Pervaiz Butt, stated that they have submitted detailed recommendations and suggestions to the Director General Prices Punjab and Secretary Industries.

These submissions outline all associated expenses, including transportation costs from source districts to Rawalpindi, for establishing new prices.

Butt highlighted that discussions between the government and their representatives are scheduled for the coming week.

He expressed optimism that these discussions would lead to the approval of a new pricing mechanism covering all grocery items, bringing an end to the 76-year-old dispute.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2023.