Crackdown launched against profiteers

Administration detains shopkeepers amid Eid supply shortages

PESHAWAR:

The District Administration of Peshawar has initiated a comprehensive crackdown against profiteers across the districts.

On Sunday, approximately 42 shopkeepers, including butchers, milk vendors, vegetable, and fruit sellers, were apprehended and detained for overpricing.

Additionally, another two dozen received warnings. Special teams have been formed by the District Administration to scrutinize price lists in shops, responding to public grievances about the significant price hikes during Eid festivities, which had gone unnoticed by the authorities.

Notably, the price of tomatoes soared to Rs500 per kilogram in the local retail market in Peshawar, likely due to limited supplies during Eid, leading to widespread discontent. Despite the conclusion of Ramazan, when prices typically decrease, tomato rates remained high in the city. While the exact cause remains uncertain, retailers suggest that the constrained supply during Eid holidays played a significant role.

“During Eid holidays, wholesale markets remain open, but both farmers and consumers refrain from bringing their produce to market, creating an artificial shortage of vegetables and fruits,” explained a shopkeeper to reporters.

While wholesale dealers usually store potatoes and some other vegetables, tomatoes have a limited shelf life and require cold storage, he added, expressing hope that the price surge would be temporary.

Despite assurances, both the provincial and district governments struggled to curb the prices of essential commodities during Ramazan, despite frequent raids and inspections. Furthermore, during Eid, these enforcement efforts were suspended due to official holidays.

To address public outcry over inflated prices during Eid, special inspection teams have been deployed to scrutinize shop price lists, responding to concerns that went unheeded during the festivities.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 15^th, 2024.