STAFF REPORTER
The Sindh government has decided to take action against hoarders and profiteers in the province. Sindh Minister for Agriculture Ismail Rahoo has announced a crackdown against businessmen and shopkeepers involved in hoarding essential items. All commissioners, district commissioners, price magistrates and other related officers have been instructed to identify hoarders not following the price list issued by the government and take action against them. More than 119 officers of the price bureau have been allotted duties across the province, Rahoo assured. “Monitoring rooms have also been established district-wise,” he said. Residents have complained that shopkeepers have increased prices of essential items drastically since the start of Ramazan. “Any shopkeeper, including fruit and vegetable sellers, found without a price list will be punished according to the law,” the minister added. Moreover, the prices of fruits, vegetables and meat soared from the first day of Ramazan in Karachi. It is to note that a rate list is issued by the Commissioner every Ramazan to ensure the sale of fruits, vegetables, grocery and other essential items at a controlled price set by the government. But vendors set their own prices and continue to fleece the public. One resident said 2.5 kilogrammes of melons were available for Rs100 till a day earlier. But now, he said, just a kilo is selling for Rs80 and there is no ne to stop the shopkeepers. Bananas have gone from Rs40 a dozen to Rs120, he said, adding that the price of apples has doubled from Rs100 per kg to Rs200 per kg. Another resident said there should be a lockdown on fruit since it is so expensive. “We can open our fasts with just juice, he said. “The rate of fruit is so high it’s like someone threw a bomb. It has left us worried,” said one customer.
