Price discrepancies mar open markets
On the eve of Eidul Azha, the prices of vegetables, spices and other food staples have risen manifold across Punjab, drawing the ire of customers. Photo: ONLINE
Despite the claims of stringent regulatory measures implemented by the district administration, consumers at open markets faced challenges in purchasing vegetable items at the prices listed by the market committee on the first day of Ramazan.
Sources revealed that vendors in surrounding areas seemed to evade legal consequences, leading to discrepancies in pricing.
The district administration had established two Ramadan cheap bazaars at Jhang Road and Behari Colony, where agriculture fair price shops were set up to provide vegetables at reasonable rates. However, despite efforts to enforce the price list issued by the market committee, consumers reported facing inflated prices in various localities.
For instance, while the market committee had fixed the price of onions at Rs225-232 per kilogramme, vendors in Peoples Colony were charging Rs300 for the same item.
Similarly, onions were being sold for Rs280-290 per kilogram in Jhang Bazar and adjacent areas, contrary to the committee's price of Rs225-232.
Muhammad Awais, spokesperson for the district administration, expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of price magistrates in ensuring compliance with regulations.
In a meeting prior to Ramazan, the deputy commissioner emphasised the need for rigorous inspections and warned of strict action against non-compliance.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2024.