Profiteering mars Ramazan preparations

Greengrocers charge exorbitant prices

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LAHORE:

As the holy month of Ramazan approaches, the government's preparations for special bazaars, discount shops and ensuring the availability of essential goods are in full swing. However, the chronic issue of price gouging remains unaddressed, with vendors across the province openly violating official rate lists.

Despite the provincial government's directives to the deputy commissioners for strict price control measures, local administrations have failed to curb overpricing. The issue is particularly severe in major cities and divisional headquarters, where price manipulation has offset any reductions introduced in official rate lists. Vendors continue to charge exorbitant prices for essential perishables, often demanding over 50 per cent beyond official rates.

Meat prices have seen particularly steep hikes, with mutton selling at Rs2,200-2,400 per kilogram against the official rate of Rs1,600, while beef is being sold at Rs1,200-1,400 per kg instead of Rs800. Chicken prices have also surged, with live chicken set at Rs392-406 per kilogram in the official rate list but being sold for Rs460-480 in the markets. Similarly, chicken meat, which should cost Rs588, is being sold for Rs620-900 per kg in different areas.

Vegetable and fruit prices continue to fluctuate beyond official lists. Potatoes, which should be sold for Rs50-55 per kilogram, are available in markets at Rs100 per kg. The price of onions, officially listed at Rs70-75 per kilogram, has risen to Rs100-120. Tomatoes have seen a similar increase, with the A-grade variety set at Rs50-55 but sold at Rs100-120 per kg.

Garlic and ginger prices have also soared. Locally grown garlic, priced at Rs534-560 per kilogram in the official list, is being sold for Rs800 per kg, while the Chinese variety, fixed at Rs592-620 per kg, is available at Rs800-1,000 per kilogram. Ginger prices have risen by Rs10, reaching Rs450-600 per kg.

Similar trends are being observed regarding other essential commodities. Cucumbers, brinjal, bitter gourd and green chilies have all experienced significant markups in retail markets. Lemon prices have increased to Rs150-250 per kilogram, while coriander is being sold at Rs30 per bundle.

Fruits have not been spared from the overpricing trend. Apples, which should be available for Rs145-325 per kilogram, are now selling for Rs250-600 per kg. Bananas, officially priced at Rs197-220 per dozen, are being sold for Rs300-350. Guava prices have increased to Rs250-300 per kilogram, while pomegranates now range from Rs450 to Rs1,200 per kg, depending on the variety. Dates, which should be available for Rs400-465 per kilogram, are selling for Rs750-2,000 per kg.

The rampant price gouging has raised concerns among consumers, who continue to struggle with rising food costs ahead of Ramazan.

"Every year, we hear promises of price control, but the reality is always different. Sellers charge whatever they want and there is no one to hold them accountable," said Ali Raza, a resident of Township. He demanded stricter oversight and penalties for vendors involved in profiteering.

Vendors, however, defended their pricing, citing supply chain issues and increased transportation costs. "We are not the ones raising prices—wholesalers and suppliers are charging us more. If we sell the produce at the official rates, we will be at a loss," said Muhammad Aslam, a vegetable vendor in a local market.