TAXILA, Aug 31: With the approach of the holy month of Ramazan, shopkeepers in Taxila and Wah Cantonment have increased prices of daily-use items on their own as the authorities concerned have failed to check profiteering in the twin cities.
The prices of essential commodities including kitchen items, fruits and vegetables are skyrocketing as profiteers have started fleecing consumers with the approach of the holy month.
A visit to the market by this correspondent revealed that the prices of food items have increased by 15 to 20 per cent despite tall claims of the provincial government to ensure price stability.
The situation is further exasperated by the absence of price control committees in Taxila and Wah Cantonment. Though different markets and shopping centers are swarmed with buyers, people are shocked by the rising cost of essential commodities.
On average, Dal channa was available at Rs62 per kg against the official rate of Rs59 per kg, Dal masoor Rs120 per kg against Rs90 per kg, maash Rs75 per kg against Rs64, Dal moong Rs60 per kg against Rs50 and sugar Rs33 per kg against Rs31 per kg. Baisin (gram powder) was selling at Rs70 per kg against Rs60 per kg last week.
The price lists issued by the city district government did not carry the rate of baisin though it is greatly used in Ramazan. People from various segments of society have called upon the district administration and cantonment board authorities to take action against those found overcharging and selling unhygienic food items. They said majority of consumer items have disappeared from the market leading to an artificial shortage.
ATTOCK: The district administration has notified the rates of essential food items in the Sasta bazaar during the holy month of Ramazan.
According to a notification issued by district coordination officer Saqib Zafar, the rate of Ghee has been fixed at Rs120 per kg, Bansmati rice at Rs70 per kg, Irri Rs35 per kg, sugar Rs30 per kg, daal masoor Rs115 per kg, mash (washed) Rs70 per kg, daal mong Rs44 per kg, baisin Rs60 per kg and red chillies Rs150 per kg. Wheat flour will be available at Rs375 per 20 kg bag.
Similarly, mutton and beef will be sold at Rs200 and 100 per kg, respectively. The rate of samosa has been fixed at Rs5.
The rates would remain effective till the end of Ramazan and shopkeepers of the Sasta bazaar which has been set up near Lalazar Stadium have been directed to display the official rate list for the awareness of consumers and avoid overcharging, otherwise strict action will be taken against them.
CONTINGENCY PLAN: The district administration says it has also chalked out a contingency plan to ensure smooth supply of essential food commodities and check hoarding.
Under the plan, every shopkeeper, wholesaler and stockiest has been directed to declare their itemised stock of all essential commodities which will be verified by the DCO, price magistrates and deputy district revenue officers to avoid hoarding.
The unique feature of the plan would be the setting up of green channels under which farmers would bring fresh vegetables/fruits directly from their farms to the Ramzan bazaar. Necessary assistance will be provided to them including waiving off the rent of stalls.
Deserving families, who have already been identified under the food stamp programme, would be provided necessary food items worth Rs1,000 under the free Ramazan package once or twice a week with the help of traders, NGOs, mill owners and philanthropists. Moreover, sasta/Ramzan bazaars have been set up in all six tehsils of the district, where farmers, traders, butchers, poultry sellers and vendors have established their outlets. A number of fair price shops have also been established in each tehsil.
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