Vendors, govt spar over prices

Merchants oppose decision to ‘unanimously’ set prices of essential items

RAWALPINDI:

The Rawalpindi Grocery Merchants Association has strongly opposed the government's decision to set prices for essential items below their wholesale market rates across Punjab.

This protest follows the discontinuation of sales of pulses, a commodity with officially mandated prices. In response, the Punjab government plans to introduce a new mechanism for determining prices in each district, tailored to the specific conditions of local markets.

This responsibility will be delegated to an independent body comprising deputy commissioners, expected to be established within the next three months. This resolution was reached during a meeting between Central Grocery Merchant Association President Hafiz Arif, Secretary General Sheikh Rizwan, Rawalpindi Division President Salim Parvez Butt, and Provincial Food Minister Bilal Yasin.

Secretary General Sheikh Rizwan emphasised the significant price disparity between the wholesale and retail market prices of pulses, ranging from Rs60 to Rs100. He stated, "We purchase expensive pulses and rice, but are required to sell them at Rs50 to Rs 70 per kg less than the actual retail rate." Rizwan pointed out that the government and Deputy Commissioners lack authority over wholesale markets. The consensus from the meeting with the provincial minister was to form a new pricing authority in collaboration with various stakeholders.