KARACHI: The unrelenting price hike has brought the people of Pakistan to their keens in the holy month of Ramazan, and it appears as if no one can cap the genie back into bottle.
Although half of the holy month is over, yet the implacable inflation is sweeping away even the smallest desires of the people observing fast.
People are unable to afford the usual food items and the prices of the things that are specially used in Ramazan, along with flour and sugar have skyrocketed.
In the run of the inflation, the prices of fruits have not legged behind and no fruit is available on low prices, except bananas that are being sold for Rs35-40/dozen. The prices of dates lead one to break the fast with simple water or salt instead of this traditional fruit.
Contrary to the official claims, sugar is nowhere available at the rates fixed by the government. Although the sugar price has been fixed at Rs45/kg in Karachi, yet the commodity is being sold for Rs50/kg across the metropolis.
The sugar is available in Quetta for Rs60/kg and for up to Rs 65/kg in interior Balochistan; whereas 20 kg flour bag ? which was available for Rs580 before the advent of Ramazan ? is now being sold for Rs620.
However, under section-144 the District government in Peshawar has put a ban to move sugar out of the city.
After the High Court ruling the sugar mills and big dealers have stopped its supply to the open market in Lahore. Before the High Court verdict the commodity was available for Rs47/kg, however due to the fear of raids shopkeepers have stopped its sale.
On the other hand, the shortage of flour has been witnessed since the beginning of Ramazan.
In an agricultural country the shortage of food items is a burning question both for the government and the people associated with this profession.
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