KARACHI, June 21: More than three months have elapsed, but the city government officials have taken no action against arbitrarily increase in milk and meat prices by stakeholders.

Fresh milk and yogurt are being sold at Rs 30 per litre and Rs 44 per kg as compared to their earlier price of Rs 28 per litre and Rs 40 per kg, respectively, three months back.

Some retailers are now charging Rs 170 for beef as compared to Rs 160 per kg a few days back. They had increased rate from Rs 150 per kg when demand increased owing to shift of people towards red meat from chicken.

Mutton is still being sold at Rs 250-260 per kg although it was earlier available at Rs 240 per kg. In posh areas, retailers are demanding Rs 270 per kg.

Several meetings were held with dairy farmers, retailers and wholesalers amid warnings against the increase in prices, but nothing could materialise.

The city government had issued a notification of Rs 28 a litre in the third week of April but it proved a face-saving exercise. So far, no action has been taken against dairy farmers, retailers and wholesalers for charging Rs 30 per litre from the consumers.

When a CDGK official was contacted, he said the officials of the city government had been waiting for the magisterial powers for over 70 officials as 18 deputy district officers (DDO) Revenue, were not enough to handle the 18 towns of over 160 million population. Presently, the matter was being delayed owing to authorities pre-occupation in the budget making exercise which is to be announced on June 23.

Market people smell some political influence on milk and meat prices under which the city government becomes helpless to handle the issue.

They also say that some kind of secret deal had been reached between the stakeholders and the city government officials that is why no action is being taken so far.

Milk powder importers have also been asking the government to cut customs duty and income tax on milk imports to cover up shortfall of fresh milk as well to stabilise prices.