Karachi Wholesale and Retail Prices of Flour Reduced Despite Consumers Paying Higher Rates
- The commissioner’s recent reduction in the prices of various varieties of flour has not been fully implemented by retailers. They are reportedly continuing to charge consumers higher rates, exploiting a lack of official price lists being displayed at their shops and insufficient government enforcement visits for overcharging fines.
- The chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association highlights that retailer greed is one reason why these prices aren’t effectively passed on to consumers, suggesting more stringent measures from both the commissioner and city officials in ensuring price list display at markets.
- With official wheat rates for local and imported varieties being Rs74 per kg & 5kg bags of Ashrafi flour are now available cheaper than branded ones, with discounts on chakki-branded fine flour bag prices reported in the marketplace as well.
- The grocery rates for various vegetables and pulses show a significant discrepancy between official fixed costs and what consumers actually pay due to unregulated retail markets, with tomatoes being particularly expensive even above their own government’s price ceiling of Rs173.
- Live animals like beef (veal) are significantly more costly than the prescribed rates by authorities at all weight categories as well.
References: Published in Dawn, December 31st, 2024.
