THE issue of price hike is far from over. Regardless of all the claims, the prices of essential commodities such as that ghee and sugar continue to witness an upward surge, much to the disappointment and worry of the common man. The price of sugar has once again touched Rs 100 per kilogram whilst that of ghee has seen an increase of about Rs 45 per kilogram over the last couple of weeks.
Not only in the open market but the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) has now also increased the prices of various items ranging from cooking oil to all sorts of spices. All this rubbishes the claims of the ruling party that the prices of essential items have come down. The fact of the matter is that the Government faces no threat from the Opposition parties but the skyrocketing prices of items pose a major challenge to the PTI and also badly hurting its popularity amongst the masses. Over the last few months, Prime Minister Imran Khan also chaired a series of meetings on the issue but there has been no relief for the common man. There was a temporary phase of only a few weeks in which one saw the prices of sugar coming down but the price of the commodity is now again going up. Whilst rising above mere lip service, the Government must take requisite steps to strengthen the price control mechanism to ensure the supply of essential food commodities at reasonable rates. The price magistrates must be fully activated to play their due role of visiting the markets on a daily basis and taking action against profiteers, hoarders and adulterators. They should be given more powers to take stern action against those creating artificial shortage of products and pocketing undue profits. We will also ask the Government to reverse the decision of increasing the prices of commodities at the Utility Stores Corporation. Mostly, poor and low middle class families visit the utility outlets. Reducing the prices at the USC will also help the government in stabilising the prices in the open market.
