LAHORE, Jan 19: Flour, vegetable ghee and sugar prices have registered an increase in the provincial metropolis due to the absence of any price control mechanism.

Flour price increase has been the maximum among the three essential commodities — 20kg atta bag is dearer by Rs 15, from Rs185 to Rs200, during the current month.

The price of vegetable ghee has increased by Rs4 per kg. It’s cheapest brand is now available at Rs56 instead of Rs52 per kg whereas popular brands range between Rs60 and 72 per kg.

Sugar price is also on the increase after the government permission to sugar industry to export surplus stocks. The commodity’s retail price is Rs20 per kg instead of Rs19.

No price control mechanism exists in the country since the launching of the devolution plan on Aug 14, 2001.

The price control committees existing at sub-division, district level have been wound up because of being headed by the executive magistrates who do not exist any more. No alternative mechanism has been created to maintain the price line of consumer goods.

The City District Government has asked the government to delegate price control powers to its officials and awaits its response.

Price control powers were delegated to the CDG officials during the holy month of Ramazan which helped check the prices.