Food consumers face Ramazan overcharging

Vendors across the provincial capital overcharged consumers without effective intervention from the authorities, leading to widespread profiteering, particularly in the sale of fruits, vegetables and meat on the first day of Ramazan.

One of the most significant discrepancies was observed in chicken prices. The official price list, which had not been updated since February 17, set live chicken at Rs397-411 per kg. However, market rates soared to Rs480-500 per kg.

The official price for chicken meat was Rs595 per kg, but it was being sold for Rs650-670 per kg, while boneless poultry meat reached an exorbitant Rs1,000-1,100 per kg. Consumers also complained of overpricing in model bazaars and sahulat stalls.

Bananas were officially priced at Rs200 per dozen at the stalls but were of inferior quality. In model bazaars, the same fruit was sold for Rs300-350 against the officially set Rs255-270.