RAWALPINDI: On the first day of Ramazan, shopkeepers and vendors in the city were found fleecing customers by charging more than the official prices despite heavy fines imposed on them by the district administration.

In addition to pulses and meat, the prices of fruits witnessed a significant increase.

Vendors were selling apples at Rs300 to Rs350 per kg, against the official price of Rs225 to Rs265 per kg. Guavas were priced at Rs450 per kg compared to the official price of Rs135 per kg.

Kinnow was being sold at Rs300 to Rs400 per dozen, while the official price ranged from Rs200 to Rs325 per dozen. Bananas were selling at Rs350 per dozen, while the official price was Rs220 per dozen.

Grapes and pomegranates were out of people’s reach, as these were available at Rs800 and Rs700 per kg, respectively.

On the other hand, wheat flour in shops and small mills (Chakis) was being sold for Rs153 per kg. Similarly, the price of Daal Channa has been fixed at Rs235 per kg, but it is available for Rs345; Daal Masoor’s official price is Rs220 per kg but it is available for Rs300, while Daal Maash’s official rate is Rs400 per kg but it is selling at Rs500 per kg.

Apart from pulses and meat, prices of fruits witness significant increase; retailers say prices fixed by district admin unrealistic

Similarly, the official price of milk is Rs190 per kg but it is being sold at Rs220, while curd is available at Rs240 per kg. There is a big difference in the price of meat as the official rate of mutton is Rs1,800 per kg whereas it is available for Rs2,400. The price of beef has been fixed at Rs900 per kg, but it is selling at Rs1,790.

When contacted, Rawalpindi Retailer Association Chairman Saleem Pervaiz said the official price list was unrealistic. He explained that wholesalers were providing pulses, vegetable oil, sugar and other items to the retailers at high prices making it impossible to sell them at such low prices.

“We get a 37-kg bag of Basen from wholesale dealers at Rs11,500, Daal Mash at Rs16,000 per 40-kg bag and it is not possible for us to sell them at the rates fixed by the district administration,” he said.

On the other hand, consumers said shopkeepers increased prices before Ramazan and there was no other option for them but to purchase the basic items.

The fruit and vegetable vendors also cashed in on the situation and increased the prices, citing the rising petroleum prices.

Mohammad Sajid, a resident of Chittian Hattian, said it has become routine for shopkeepers to increase prices in Ramazan as every household needs chickpeas, wheat flour, Basen and fruits for Iftar.

“Potato and onion as well as ginger and garlic prices have also gone up as these are the main ingredients of every meal. The quality of wheat flour available at sale points is not good and people mostly prefer to buy this basic commodity from Chaki shops,” said Mohammad Akram.

Meanwhile, the district administration asked price magistrates to seal shops involved in overcharging and impose heavy fines on them.

“The administration is not only monitoring prices in bazaars but has also established fair price shops to provide better quality food items to the citizens,” said a senior official of the administration.

Published in Dawn, February 20th, 2026