FAISALABAD, Oct 28: The district government has failed to check price-hike and artificial shortage of consumer goods.

Shopkeepers, vendors and wholesalers have reportedly increased the prices of all kitchen items by 20 to 25 per cent. The local administration has received a number of complaints about the shortage of tomato, gram-powder, red chilies, cooking oil and other kitchen items from different city localities and rural areas.

During a survey on Tuesday, it was found that a 20kg flour bag was being sold for Rs205 as against the fixed price of Rs185. Sugar which was available for Rs19 per kg was being sold for Rs21 and the gram-powder for Rs32 per kg. Similarly, the ghee which was available for Rs49 to Rs51 per kilo was being sold for Rs60.

The butchers were seen selling mutton for Rs160 per kg against the fixed price of Rs120. The beef was being marketed at Rs80 per kg against a fixed price of Rs60.

It was also observed that the prices of vegetables, pulses, spices and other kitchen items had reached beyond the reach of the common man.

Vendors were also seen selling apples, dates, guava and banana at 20 per cent higher rates.

Meanwhile, the stockists of local green and grocery markets have created an artificial shortage of a number of kitchen items allegedly with the connivance of the Market Committee functionaries only to mint money.

It was observed that the price control committee of the district government had become inoperative due to the poor performance of its members.

Union council Nazims have been delegated powers to ensure the supply of consumer goods at reasonable rates in their respective areas, but they have failed to implement these instructions due to lack of resources and other reasons.

RELEASED: Judicial magistrates, on the orders of the district and sessions judge, got released 56 prisoners from borstal, district and central jails, following the commencement of Ramazan.