ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is witnessing a massive increase in the prices of vegetables and fruits, including in the federal capital. A huge gap has emerged between the official price lists issued by market committees and the rates being charged in local markets.
Tomatoes and Apples Sold Far Above Official Rates
According to the Islamabad Market Committee, the official maximum price for tomatoes is Rs170 per kilogram. However, in several city markets, vendors are selling tomatoes for as high as Rs500 per kilogram.
Similarly, high-quality apples are officially priced at Rs297 per kilogram but are being sold for Rs450 to Rs500 in the market.
Vendors Cite Higher Wholesale Prices as Main Cause
During a visit to the Islamabad market, fruit sellers told V News that they do not receive produce from the wholesale market at official rates. One shopkeeper said, “If we don’t get tomatoes at Rs170 anywhere, how can we sell them at that price?”
In many wholesale markets, the price of tomatoes has already reached Rs400 per kilogram, making it impossible for retailers to follow the official list.
Market Committee Explains Pricing Mechanism
Islamabad Market Committee Chairman Sajid Abbasi said that prices are determined every evening after the auction at the main market. The committee calculates average rates and issues a list with a minor profit margin.
He clarified that the district administration is responsible for enforcing these official rates across retail markets.
Administration Launches Crackdown on Overpricing
Last week, acting on public complaints, the Assistant Commissioner (Saddar) inspected local vegetable markets. During the visit, authorities detained 12 shopkeepers for overcharging and for not displaying the official price list.
The administration stated that implementation of the official rates is being ensured in Sunday bazaars and city markets. Teams of assistant commissioners and price control magistrates are conducting daily visits and imposing fines on violators.
Citizens Urged to Report Overcharging
The district administration has appealed to citizens to pay according to the official price list while shopping. Officials encouraged the public to immediately report any violations to help curb artificial price hikes.
