The price of dal moong has registered a sharp fall of Rs 6 per kg in the wholesale market during the last one month, and a further decrease in its price is expected soon, according to wholesalers.
Dal Moong is being sold at Rs 50 per kg in the wholesale market, whereas retail price of the commodity had not yet been fixed, and is being sold in the range of Rs 52 to Rs 55 per kg, depending on city's locality, they said.
About a month ago, dal moong was being sold at Rs 56 per kg in the wholesale market, while retailers are still following the price list of City District Government Karachi (CDGK), they added.
They observed that the price of dal moong had started going down during Ramazan. They linked the price fall of dal moong with the arrival of the commodity from China and other countries, besides arrival of fresh domestic productions in the market.
Regarding differences in retail and wholesale prices of dal moong, a market mover said till the issuance of the new price list by CDGK, which is expected within this month, the abnormal difference between retail and wholesale prices would remain. "Retailers will demand the existing retail price of the commodity as a daily transaction," he added.
He said that CDGK has said that new price list of essential commodities would be finalised in line with the agreement with the wholesalers, retailers, and traders, and it has invited their recommendations in this connection.
He said that an important meeting with CDGK official was held on last Thursday at E&IP department of CDGK, where it was decided that prices of essential commodities would be fixed in the next meeting, which has not so far been called. He hoped that the meeting might be convened within the next few days.
He pointed out that exports of dal moong were one of the main reasons for shortage of the commodity, and termed it as a 'leading factor' in the price hike of the commodity.
He said that due to increase in dal moong production at home and imports a further decrease in its price was expected. However, he said this would only be possible if exports of dal moong were not made in the meantime.
A CDGK official said that a meeting with the wholesalers, retailers, meat merchants, traders and NGOs would be convened during next week to finalise the price list for essential commodities. However, the meeting on prices with milk sellers will be called later, he added.
He said that CDGK magistrates have the authority for unlimited period and they could take action against the profiteers. He said that EDO Enterprise and Investment Promotion (E&IP) had categorically made it clear that CDGK writ would be established across the city and no one would be allowed to make excessive profits in sale of essential commodities. The official said that a subcommittee had been set up to review the prices of essential commodities and it would submit its report during next week.