Price enforcement remains futile

Despite consistent directives from provincial authorities, the enforcement of official rates for essential commodities remains ineffective across Punjab.

The government has failed to ensure compliance with the officially prescribed prices for a wide range of items, including fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, dairy products and meat.

This lapse has led to widespread overcharging by retailers and greengrocers, much to the frustration of consumers.

The official rates, set by the district administrations, were intended to provide a uniform pricing structure for essential items such as milk, curd, bread, and various types of meat, including beef, mutton and chicken. However, the rates have not been consistently implemented.

The lack of enforcement has resulted in significant price disparities, with consumers often paying well above the official rates.

In the recent week, there has been a notable increase in the prices of several key items. The price of live chicken has risen by Rs4 per kilogram, with the official rate set at Rs396-410 per kilogram. Despite this, live chicken is being sold for as much as Rs470-500 per kilogram. Similarly, chicken meat, which should cost Rs594 per kilogram according to the official rate, is being sold for prices ranging from Rs620 to Rs790 per kilogram in different areas of the provincial capital.

Vegetable prices have also seen substantial increases. The price of potatoes has surged, with soft-skinned potatoes now being sold at Rs140-150 per kilogram, compared to the official rate of Rs80-85 per kilogram. Similarly, onions, which have an official price of Rs112-120 per kilogram for A-grade quality, are being sold at Rs140-160 per kilogram. Tomatoes have experienced the most drastic increase, with the official price for A-grade tomatoes set at Rs115-125 per kilogram, while market prices have soared to Rs250 per kilogram.

The situation is exacerbated by the apparent indifference of government officials. While the deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners frequently post videos showcasing their supposed achievements on social media, there is a disconnect between these promotional activities and the actual governance on the ground.

Government officials, who are also consumers, have reportedly been unable to purchase goods at the official rates themselves. This inability not only highlights the inefficacy of the current price control measures but also points to a broader governance failure within the province. The issue of escalating prices is a daily concern for residents, making the lack of enforcement all the more critical.

Other items have also seen price increases, adding to the financial burden on consumers. The price of garlic has increased, with local varieties selling for Rs450-500 per kilogram, despite an official rate of Rs345-360 per kilogram. The price of ginger has also risen, with Thai ginger now sold at Rs800-1,000 per kilogram, well above the official rate of Rs575-595.

The price hikes extend to fruits as well. Mangoes, bananas, and guavas have all seen increases, with some varieties of mangoes now selling for as much as Rs450 per kilogram, compared to the official rates of Rs150-235 per kilogram.