Oil price: LHC seeks report on prices of edibles

LAHORE:

Justice Farrukh Irfan Khan of Lahore High Court (LHC) directed DCOs across the province on Thursday to submit their analyses about prices of edibles in view of reduced petrol prices.

The judge heard a petition requesting the court to direct the government to take appropriate action against those involved in hoarding and profiteering. The judge observed that Ramazan was around the corner but the officers concerned had yet to make arrangements to control the prices of food items.

The court said the federal food secretary was responsible for ensuring a reduction in the prices.

Advocate Azhar Siddique had moved the petition saying that the government had failed to ensure a reduction in the prices of edibles following a significant decrease in petrol prices. He said traders were fleecing the public and the authorities were not acting against them.

He requested the court to order the government to set up an independent authority to control prices and take steps against hoarding. He also requested the court to restore magisterial system that he said was in consonance with the price control laws.

The government’s counsel requested the court to give it some time to submit a report on prices. The judge then adjourned the hearing until June 15.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 29^th, 2015.