Ramazan and essentials

It's euphoria as the blessings of the holy month of Ramazan dawn on us. It is a grim reminder too that the dispossessed and downtrodden should be taken care of, and prices of essential commodities must stay within the purchasing power of all. The government's endeavour to make life easy for the commoners is appreciated. The assurance from the ministries of power and petroleum to do away with electricity and gas load-shedding during the fasting hours is a welcome development. The slow pressure of gas and unabated power outages have made life miserable for millions of people, and it is a timely decision to address this issue in all solemnity.

The decision of the government, nonetheless, to raise the prices of petroleum products by Rs5 and Rs7.32 for petrol and HSD, respectively, on the eve of the fasting month is disturbing. It has come as another rude shock to the people who are already reeling under inflation. It is also noticed that the prices of perishables and grains, as well as poultry, see a sharp hike during the holy month, and the so-called district administration measures to stem the tide of dearness are insufficient.

At times the vendors, both retail and wholesale, are in league to fleece the masses and it is assumed that they enjoy the patronage of officials to mint money. This trend is in need of being checked, and snap inspections by community leaders and administration sleuths can usher in some sanity. It is a point of concern that inflation stands at 5.8%, up from 5.6% in Dec 2025.

The continued depreciation of the rupee and plummeting exports have made businesses untenable. This is where astute governmental intervention is desired to usher in micro-economic stability, and to let the holy month and the festive season at the end of it have some dividends for the salaried and the middle class. Last but not least, benevolence and charity should reach the destitute in a transparent and respectable manner, so that the divine spirit of Ramazan is eulogised in all sincerity.