Multan markets: exorbitant fruit, vegetable prices irk consumers

Fruit and vegetable prices continue spiralling in Multan's markets, compelling masses to reduce intake of fruits. Though the authorities have claimed of controlling the prices, shopkeepers and stall-holders are seen charging rates on their own will.
Fruits and vegetables have gone out of the reach of common man as the quality orange is being sold at rupees 70 to 80 per kg while apples at Rs 120 per kg. Over a visit to different bazaars, the scribe observed shopkeepers overcharging customers right under the nose of the market committee set up to ensure implementation of official price rates.
Substandard vegetables, fruits and grains are being sold at higher rates at Sunday and Friday bazaars established to provide quality food items at reasonable price. Prices of tomato, banana and eggs are same in the open market, while apple, orange, onion, and ladyfinger being sold higher. Apple ranges from Rs 80 to 140 per kg while onion available at Rs 100 per five kg.
Sarwat Khan, a customer demanded authorities to implement official rate list in the markets. She said the government has failed to control prices in the open market as well as weekly bazaars. She said that it now is not possible for a common man to make both the ends meet as prices continue mounting.
Another customer Nazia Khan at Double Phatak Bazaar complained that shopkeepers are not complying with the official rate list and charging customers on their own will. She raged that the rulers are busy in accomplishing their own agendas without bothering about the miseries of masses worst hit by inflation. She said that her husband earns rupees 12,000 per month and now it has become impossible for them to even run the expenses of their kitchen.
When contacted, a Price Control Committee official said tomatoes, apple, orange (kinnow) and banana price in the wholesale market has gone up and it is not possible for stall-holders to sell these items at lower rates. He claimed that local administration keeps a regular check to ensure selling of commodities in accordance with the official rate list. The official claimed that the teams patrol bazaars almost daily and in case of overcharging, a shopkeeper is sent to jail or pays heavy fine. He revealed that most of the detainees are freed the same day and the practice goes on.