IT is now unnecessary to argue or lament over the issue of cost escalation of commodities, particularly petroleum products.

Ogra argues and justifies the rise of prices of petroleum products on the basis of rates of the international market. One is justified to know the mechanism and formula of raising the prices of petroleum products in our neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and India.

In our country, there seems to be no control or checks and balances on commodities rates. As a result, we see frequent price hike of petroleum products. In case we have no control on petroleum products due to the excuse of international market, at least we can have some system to regulate the rates of commodities, particularly food items.

For example, a milkman brings 40 litre milk, selling 1 litre milk at the rate of Rs60 or 70. He should now revise the rate of 1 litre milk at the rate of Rs60.20 or Rs.70.20 per litre, keeping in view the new prices from Sept 1. This formula is unlikely to be followed but there is apprehension that there will be an increase of Rs5 or above for 1 litre milk.

A similar formula should apply to the public transport, besides other food items. And such mechanism must be ensured at taluka, city and district levels.

Violators and profiteers must be taken to task. This should be ensured and practised all the times to come since this is absolutely possible and practicable for the government.

M. ASLAM PATHAN Former Additional Secretary Government of Sindh Sukkur