Retailers in Rawalpindi city and Cantonment areas have increased the prices of flour without permission from the local authorities.
Retailers have increased the prices from Rs 50 to Rs 70 per 20 kilogram of sack unilaterally as the District Price Control Committee and Food Department has chosen to look the other way.
The local authorities had fixed ex-mill rate of per 20 kilogram bag at Rs 750 and retail price at Rs 770 per 20 kilogram bag. However, a 20 kg flour bag is being sold between Rs 820 to Rs 840 in several localities.
When contacted, District Food Controller Mehr Ejaz said that taking action against profiteers was the job of the district administration.
A spokesman of district administration claimed that prices fixed by the government were being implemented. He also claimed that action has been initiated against those involved in overcharging.