Ramazan price lists issued, but markets ignore them

With Ramazan approaching, Karachi’s administration has officially fixed prices for essential commodities, yet market rates for many of these items remain significantly high.

According to reports, retailers across Karachi have already raised prices despite the government’s official lists, dismissing them as unrealistic.

Officials claim that the new rates were set after consultations with trader groups, wholesalers and consumer representatives. However, enforcement remains a challenge, especially among fruit sellers and small retailers.

In a market survey, prices of key staples have risen constantly in recent weeks. Gram flour is Rs260-320 per kg, white chickpeas for Rs350-450 per kg, and channa daal around Rs250-280 per kg.

Moreover, the Karachi commissioner fixed retail sugar at about Rs141 per kg and warned traders to comply to avoid unnecessary profiteering during the holy month. 

Authorities say that price-control measures, monitoring teams and special counters at stores will help stabilize costs during Ramazan. 

However, as seen in past years, retailers frequently defy official lists and charge self-determined prices.