As Ramazan nears its end, the province's drive to enforce official price lists in Lahore's markets appears to have yielded little tangible
An illustrative image related to: Markets defy official food prices, highlighting key aspects of the story. | Image source: The Express Tribune
Markets defy official food prices
As Ramazan nears its end, the province's drive to enforce official price lists in Lahore's markets appears to have yielded little tangible assistance support for consumers, with traders continuing to sell essential commodities well above notified rates.
Market surveys suggest that most food items — from vegetables and fruits to poultry and dairy products — remain largely unavailable at province-fixed prices. For many locals, the weekly price lists issued by the sector governing body have increasingly become symbolic rather than enforceable.
Representatives have maintained that inspection drives are being carried out and penalties imposed to curb overcharging.
However, consumers say the application of statute effort has largely focused on Sahulat Ramazan Bazaars — subsidised markets operating under a separate administrative structure designed to provide commodities at controlled-price.
Critics argue that the emphasis on these bazaars has diverted attention from the much larger network of neighbourhood markets where most locals purchase their daily food items. Instead of ensuring adherence in open markets, the sector governing body and the special assistant on food safety and consumer protection have repeatedly underscored visits to Ramazan Bazaars as proof of application of statute.
Analysts say that while issues in subsidisled bazaars can often be addressed through administrative coordination, the real challenge lies in monitoring the thousands of outlets operating across the metro.
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