The price of sugar in the open market of Rawalpindi has seen a sudden and substantial increase as the wholesale price of sugar has soared by Rs100 per bag in the past three days.
The surge also jacked the retail price from Rs150 to Rs156 per kilogramme in the city and surrounding areas and Rs160 per kg in suburban areas.
Suleman Parvez Butt, the president of the Kiryana Merchants Association, told The Express Tribune that the retail cost for shopkeepers has increased by Rs10 per kg, which includes expenses such as wastage, shopping bags and transportation.
He warned that if the administration or government does not take immediate action to control sugar prices, there is a risk that the price could reach Rs200 per kg before Ramazan.
The Central Kiryana Association of Punjab has also expressed deep concerns over the drastic rise in sugar prices, calling for urgent action from both the federal and provincial governments.
The association's office-bearers allege the government has failed to control sugar prices from the start of the season and has instead shifted the blame onto retailers.
The sugar cartel and mill owners are selling off stocks for profits, leaving the public to bear the burden, they further allege.
Sugar association leaders warn if the sugar mafia is not checked immediately, the rate of increase will soon become impossible to manage.
They further allege that sugar has been smuggled under the guise of exports, which, if continued, could lead to a shortage.
Gram flour, chickpea prices also rise
On the other hand, he prices of gram flour (Besan) and chickpeas have witnessed a surge in the local markets of Rawalpindi city ahead of the holy month of Ramazan. In the open market, the price of gram flour has reached Rs440 per kilogramme in the city centre and Rs460 per kg in nearby areas.
Traders predict the price could rise to Rs500 per kg within two weeks of Ramazan. Meanwhile, the price of chickpeas also surged to Rs400 per kg.
Salim Pervez Butt, the president of the central Kiryana Merchants Association, expressed his surprise at the rapid increase in besan prices.
He noted that last Ramazan, besan was priced between Rs250 and Rs270 per kg, but now, just one year later, the price could reach Rs500 per kg.
Although Ramazan is still around 33 days away, the Punjab government has yet to make arrangements for the supply of essential food items, including vegetables, fruits, besan, rice, oil, ghee, chicken, meat, milk, yogurt, naan, and parathas.
During the holy month, the demand for vegetables, fruits, chicken, meat, besan and pulses typically increases by 80 to 100%. If the supply of these goods does not meet the demand, their prices are feared to rise drastically.
Currently, the supply of many vegetables and fruits is insufficient. Immediate imports from Iran, India, Afghanistan, and China are necessary to prevent a price surge, traders say.
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