September 13, 2007	Thursday	Sha'aban 30, 1428

HYDERABAD, Sept 12: Failure to implement price control mechanism has steadily increased the prices of daily use items from flour to pulses and fruits with sellers expecting more as Ramazan is a day away.

A market survey on Wednesday revealed progressive rise in the prices of consumer items especially rice, pulses, flour and fruits and vegetables without any check.

Vendor argue of procuring items at exorbitant rates as such prices are adjusted which make the daily use items expensive by the time these reach consumer.

According to an official source the federal government in the Finance Bill 2006 had authorised the DCOs to issue monthly price lists to be checked by special magistrates under Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act and adopt legal procedure against those found violating price lists.

Market sources say prices rice quality-1 (karnal) is being sold at Rs2000 per 40kg to wholesalers, showing per kilogram price of Rs50 against Rs35 per kilogram of the same until 10 days back whereas prices of rice quality-2 (tota) were fixed at Rs21 today against Rs10 per kg six months back.

A wholesaler says that Wednesday’s prices of chillies (un-grained) stand at Rs2500 per 40kg and if maximum cost of chillies grained is added it should not go beyond Rs3000 per 40kg that would bring its retail cost at Rs75 per kilogram.

Prices of flour are registering increase too. Flour was being sold at Rs13.50 per kg until few days back at Rs15 per kilogram by chakki owners but current rate is Rs17 per kg, having a Rs2 raise on per kg in sharp contrast to prime minister’s statement that flour prices have been reduced.

Chakki Owners Association leader Haji Nawab says the flour will record another raise soon if supply to chakki owners was not maintained. Wheat bag of 100 kg is available for Rs1,450 while it was being sold back at Rs1,290 some 10 days back he said.

Wholesale fruit sellers say the rates have been increased because of heavy downpour in the country as fruits are beyond the reach of majority.