
The prices of vegetables are skyrocketing in the local markets of Pakistan after the suspension of transport from Monday.
Likely to have been prompted by political protests, the restricted movement of transport has made it difficult for agricultural products to be timely delivered to their destination.
The prices of regularly consumed goods are determined by the deputy commissioner (DC), in charge of the district's Price and Control Committee, and representatives of the Tehsil Municipal Administration and the Food Department.
Due to the politically driven stopovers on major routes leading to markets, shopowners and local vendors are reportedly receiving double the prices fixed by the committee, The News reported.
With the temporary inflation in place, the potatoes are being sold at a rate of Rs180 per kg whose originally fixed price is Rs120 per kg.
Similarly, Garlic’s fixed price is Rs650 per kg but it's being sold at Rs700 per kg and ladyfinger is being overcharged Rs40 per kg, all in line with the higher rates of vegetables being sold at a surcharge between Rs50 and Rs80.
“None of the shopkeepers or vendors follows the price list. I paid Rs 240 per kg for tomatoes while the committee set the price at Rs 160 per kg,” the publication cited Azhar Shah, a buyer, as saying.
The buyer lamented over the price disparities between those set by the district administration and those fixed by roadside sellers, urging the government to ensure the enforcement of prices set by the committee and violators should be met with penalties.