Price-control system fails as food costs soar

Muhammad Ali, a shopper at the vegetable and fruit market in Ghulam Muhammadabad, said the rising cost of essential commodities had made it increasingly difficult for ordinary families to afford two meals a day. He said wheat was selling for Rs5,400 to Rs5,600 per maund in the open market, compared with the official rate of Rs3,800 per maund.

The price of a 15-kg bag of fine flour had exceeded Rs2,500, while flour from local mills was selling for Rs165 to Rs170 per kilogram. The increase in wheat and flour prices had also pushed up the prices of roti and naan, adding to the financial burden on working-class households.

Zakia Khanum, a customer at a fruit shop in Jhang Bazaar, said persistent inflation and unemployment were worsening household difficulties and contributing to domestic disputes. She alleged that the administrations and PERA personnel across Faisalabad Division, including Jhang, Chiniot and Toba Tek Singh, had failed to control prices effectively.

Abdul Hameed, a vendor at Dhudiwala Chowk, said prices of several vegetables had risen sharply. Onions were selling for Rs180 to Rs200 per kg, while peas had reached Rs500 per kg. Prices of tomatoes, ginger and other essential vegetables had also increased, he said.

Citizens complained that beef, mutton, broiler chicken, eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables were frequently being sold at rates determined by individual shopkeepers, with official price lists allegedly going unenforced in markets, bazaars, temporary stalls and roadside outlets. Sources said vegetables and green spices had witnessed particularly sharp increases.

Even lower-grade peas were selling for Rs500 per kg, while carrots, cauliflower, turnips, garlic, ginger and onions were also becoming increasingly expensive.