Prices of commodities are fixed without our consent, say retailers

Ccommissioner insisted that crackdown against profiteers will continue until all retailers adhere to the fixed prices.

KARACHI:

Profiteering cannot be stopped until retailers are taken into confidence, said Sindh Grocery Retailer Association general secretary Farid Qureshi while talking to The Express Tribune, revealing that retailers are kept in the dark about the fixed prices.

“They (the commissioner’s office) visit the wholesale markets and fix prices without the consent of the retailers,” Qureshi complained. “We have protested several times with the commissioner’s office but to no avail.”

However, Karachi commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui rejected Qureshi’s claims and said that all prices are fixed with the consent of retailers and wholesalers associations. “During the meeting, all stakeholders agreed on the prices,” said Siddiqui, while also questioning the reason for the association’s protest. “Why would they protest later against the arrest of a profiteer when they had agreed to adhere to the prices?”

The commissioner also insisted that the crackdown against profiteers will continue until all retailers adhere to the fixed prices.

Mixed results

The crackdown against profiteering, which began in Ramzan, seems to have had little effect as essential commodities are still being openly sold at varying prices throughout the city. Siddiqui, despite all his efforts, has failed to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to protect residents against profiteers.

“Sometimes the assistant commissioners conduct raids at different markets to check the prices of everyday items and fine those not adhering to the fixed prices,” revealed Muhammad Amin, a resident of North Nazimabad. “However, as soon as the officials leave, the retailers start charging the original prices.”

The commissioner office has requested the public to come forward if they witness any case of profiteering in the city. However, most complainers claim that their emails and calls are not entertained. “Our emails are ignored and despite multiple attempts, no one picks up the phone,” said a man, who tried to complain.

Difference in fixed and market prices

Official prices         Market prices

Rice (per kg)

Low quality             Rs73                        Rs100

High quality            Rs143                      Rs160

Beef (per kg)

On the bone            Rs280                      Rs400

Boneless                                 Rs320                      Rs440

Chicken (per kg)

On the bone            Rs142                      Rs180

Boneless                               Rs 230                     Rs270

Published in The Express Tribune, December 18^th, 2013.