As Ramadan approaches, inflation has spiraled out of control, with profiteers arbitrarily raising prices of essential commodities such as poultry, sugar, rice, and gram flour.
Despite promises of price regulation, the Punjab government has once again failed to control the market, leaving citizens struggling with rising costs.
In Multan, chicken prices have surged by Rs. 40 per kilogram within a week, reaching Rs. 619 per kg. Similarly, sugar is now being sold at Rs. 150 per kg, rice at Rs. 280 per kg, and gram flour at an alarming Rs. 380 per kg. The public has expressed outrage over this unchecked inflation.
A resident voiced frustration, stating, “In this entire cycle, it’s the common people who suffer. Profiteers make their Ramadan profits in advance, while we struggle to afford basic necessities.”
Another citizen added, “Rice, sugar, and gram flour are essential for every household, especially during Ramadan. The government must ensure that these items remain within the public’s reach.”
The inflation crisis extends beyond Multan, as Jhang is also witnessing soaring prices of fruits and essentials. The cost of apples has shot up from Rs200 to Rs350 per kg, bananas have jumped from Rs100 to Rs250 per dozen, and dates—an essential item for Ramadan—are now being sold at an exorbitant Rs1,000 per kg, up from Rs750.
Frustrated by the government’s negligence, a shopper lamented, “Prices should be reduced during Ramadan, but instead, they double or even triple. Especially dates—every year, their rates skyrocket, making them unaffordable for many.”
Another resident sarcastically remarked, “They say the devil is locked away during Ramadan, but these profiteers take his place. They deliberately hike prices and exploit people’s needs.”
Despite repeated claims by the Punjab government to regulate the market, profiteers continue to dictate prices with impunity. Shopkeepers blame the price hike on wholesalers, while authorities fail to implement effective measures to curb this exploitation.
Punjab govt's failure
With Ramadan around the corner, citizens are demanding immediate intervention from the Punjab government to control food prices. The public expects not just empty promises but concrete actions to prevent further inflation.
