Profiteers benefit from improved supply | The Express Tribune

Following an increase in supply, the prices of most seasonal commodities showed a declining trend but the benefit of price reduction was taken by profiteers.

A market survey highlighted that the district administration had failed to rein in overcharging despite strict instructions of the chief minister.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, shoppers complained about overcharging and profiteering in weekly makeshift markets that were set up to give relief to common people.

A citizen, Riasat, pointed out that the official rate of tomato was between Rs120 and Rs125 per kg but it was being sold for Rs190-200 per kg in markets across the city. “It seems that the authorities responsible to control inflation have teamed up with profiteers in fleecing citizens,” he said.

Another citizen, Razzaq Ahmad highlighted that in Sunday Bazaars greengrocers are selling blended varieties at the price of premium grade.

He said vendors claim market committees had issued wrong price list to keep their bosses and the government happy, otherwise prices mentioned on price lists were not even being followed in wholesale markets.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2021.