The Punjab government has asked all the DCOs to ensure the availability of products of daily consumption for Ramazan for which they should devise a strategy before start of this month and to ensure display of price lists at prominent places of the stores and shops and traders should supply the items on the fixed prices.
Punjab Chief Minister took a serious view on the reports that meat, vegetable ghee, sugar, pulses and other items are being sold 20 to 50 excess price than fixed by the district administration. Government has also asked to take action against the major dealers, stockists, hoarders and adulterators and not to harass the small grocers.
Chairman of Traders Chamber Khawaja Muhammad Shafiq said, "In Ramazan-ul-Mubarik the demand for products of daily consumption increases manifolds and due to shortage, prices are increased in response, and business community is accused of the entire situation, he said.
He added that due to increased consumption of pulses, rice, onion, tomato, potato, dates, vegetables and spices the prices are also increased. The shopkeepers have no leverage to regulate the prices but district administration is responsible for it.
He said that the in every Ramazan, the government provides relief to the consumers through Utility Stores but it is matter of concern that only 1 percent consumers have access to these relief centres which neutralises the positive aspect of this package. To curb this situation in coming Ramazan regular supply of products should be made sure to keep the prices under control.