The sale of samosas, pakoras, kachoris and dates are on the rise despite their sky rocketing prices during Ramadan.
Despite claims by local administration to control prices of food and non-food items during Ramadan, high prices of edible items price is largely due to hoarding and artificial scarcity created by certain economic interests for unfair profiteering. Masses are forced to buy them as they have no other option.
Sale of substandard and adulterated food items is a serious health hazard for consumers. Fruit vendors continue to overcharge at will and ignoring the instructions of the authorities to display price lists. The prices of these items have witnessed a tremendous increase from 10 percent to 42 percent. Besides, supply of substandard and adulterated eatables goes unchecked.
One of the customers complained, “This routine is followed religiously every year before the start of Ramadan. The shopkeepers increase the prices which is unwarranted and against the spirit of Islam.”
Afza Adeel, a resident of Shamsabad said that the price hike had made it impossible for the common man to run his kitchen.
However, shopkeepers said that the price hike is due to the increase in prices at the wholesale markets.