KARACHI: Most essential edible items, including flour, are being sold at prices way higher than those on the official price list in the metropolis, M.M News learnt on Saturday.
Citizens have accused relevant authorities, including the Sindh government and Karachi commissioner, of giving profiteers a free rein, and complain that price control committees are apparently doing nothing to address the issue.
Retailers have pushed up prices of various wheat flour varieties but flour millers deny increasing any rates. Shopkeepers are now charging Rs. 1400 for 20-kilogramme flour bag, as against Rs 1,140, while the 10-kilogramme bag now costs Rs700 versus Rs570.
Meanwhile, Karachi Dairy Farmers Association has increased a 10-rupee-per-litre increase in the price of milk. The milk is now available in Pakistan’ largest city at Rs120 per litre,
A comparison of seasonal fruit and vegetable prices indicates an increase of 40% and 60% in rates across the provincial capital in the absence of an efficient price control regime. Both traders and street vendors were selling agricultural produce at high prices, which in some cases are almost double the official rates.
According to the official price list issued by Karachi commissioner’s office, eggs are to be sold for Rs141 per dozen. However, they are available for no less than Rs180 to Rs200 per dozen.
