KARACHI, Aug 22: Despite a complete suspension of supply from upcountry and the two ports on account of goods transporters’ strike, prices of essential items in retail and wholesale markers have so far remained unaffected.

The chairman of the Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association (KWGA), Anis Majeed, said that 50 per cent supplies meant for the city came from Punjab and the interior of Sindh whereas the rest (imported cargo) from the ports, but due to the strike the entire supply had been suspended for the last four days.

“So far there has been no shortage of grocery items as the wholesale markets have got enough stocks for another three to four days,” he said.

He was of the view that the situation was well under control mainly due to a decline in the demand for essential items. Elaborating, he said that it was due to a slow buying trend on the part of the traders coupled with the already enhanced prices that had saved the situation otherwise the suspension of supply would have had an adverse impact on prices of essential commodities.

Mr Majeed said that the transporters’ strike should come to an end immediately otherwise its impact on prices would be very aggressive especially at a time when Ramazan was just round the corner.

The general secretary of the Karachi Retail Grocers Group (KRGG), Mohammad Farid Qureishi, also said that so far the ongoing strike had not affected prices of essential items. He, however, claimed that price-hike was not linked to any such strikes anyway. Any change in the wholesale rates would push the rates upwards at the retail level, he added.

The wholesalers of vegetables at the Sabzi Mandi off Super Highway said that supply of greens from upcountry had been normal as the ongoing strike had been called by ports’ vehicles and trailers operators and not by fresh fruit and vegetable carriers.

Commenting on the situation, the president of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh, said that if the strike was not called off immediately, prices of essential commodities would increase substantially before and during Ramazan.

He said that the goods’ transporters had parked their vehicles refusing to transport any cargo till the acceptance of their demands. Due to which, imported goods were stuck at ports and export items had been lying with their producers for the last three days, he added.

Mr Shaikh said that no demurrage should be imposed on imported shipments because they were not responsible for non-clearance of the cargo from ports. This delay in shipment was hampering business activities and the production process.

He said the export-oriented sector had been badly affected by the strike.