August 28 is the deadline and after that, the retail price of sugar will be ensured at Rs 47 per kg at all costs. The violators will not be spared and strict action will be taken against them. This was stated by Punjab Minister for Agriculture Malik Ahmed Ali Aulakh while addressing a press conference here on Wednesday.
"Let me assure you that sugar will be sold at Rs 45 ex-mill and Rs 47 at retail price within next 72 hours," he said adding that after this deadline, there would be zero-tolerance for those found involved in overcharging and profiteering. In case of even slightest overcharging, stern action would be taken against the concerned mill managers, dealers and retailers, he added. The Minister said this while admitting that the commodity was being sold at Rs 52 to Rs 54 per kg against its fixed price of Rs 47 per kg in the open market in the province.
He termed the Punjab government's crackdown against the sugar mills and dealers a great job in the history of Pakistan. He said that by taking over control of all the 43 sugar mills in the province, the government took action against the most influential segment of the society.
"When they did not come into the bracket, they were bound to comply with the instructions of the government," he added. He said on the directives of the Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, the provision of Sasta atta, sugar and essential items should be ensured in Ramazan bazaars in abundance and District Co-ordination Officer (DCO) concerned would be held accountable if people had to stand in queues or complaints of profiteering were received.
Meanwhile, shoppers complained that the vendors have resorted to overcharging and are selling low quality fruits and vegetables at high prices. According to the market dealers, chicken meat is being sold at Rs 180 to Rs 200 per-kg while the price of mutton meat has jumped to Rs 350 per kg from Rs 320. The price of onion has also swelled to Rs 40 per kg from Rs 35 while A-grade onion is being sold at Rs 45 to Rs 50 per-kg in the open market.
The shoppers also complained that the vendors are fleecing the customers in the absence of officials of the City District Government and are also not displaying the rate-lists to continue overcharging. Price of Basin has swelled to Rs 60 per-kg from Rs 53. Cooking oil is being sold at Rs 130 to Rs 135 per-liter, loose milk at Rs 45 per-kg to Rs 55 per-kg and Yogurt at Rs 40 to Rs 50 per-kg.
Tomato, Potato and Ladyfinger and Tori are being sold at Rs 50 per kilogram in the open market, Cauliflower at Rs 70 per kg, Onion at Rs 40 per kg, Guava at Rs 40 per kg, Grapes at Rs 160 per kg, Dates at Rs 120-180 per kg, Apple at Rs 120 per kg, Banana at Rs 50-60 per dozen, Apricot at Rs 140-160 per kg, Peach at Rs 100 per kg and Chicken at Rs 190 to Rs 200 per kg.
Though the Ramazan Bazaars are attracting a large number of people throughout the day due to lesser price of essential commodities, absence of items in demand is disturbing the shoppers. Consumers have to face the worst shortage of food items in special bazaars and open market as well.