Protest by Merchants over Official Rates
Published on: June 25, 2024.
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Grocery Merchants Association in Rawalpindi Division Protests Against Fixed Rates for Pulses, Rice, and White Gram
The Grocery Merchants Association in Rawalpindi Division has taken a strong stand against the fixed rates mandated by the deputy commissioners for the sale of pulses, rice, and white gram. This protest comes as a response to the recent increase in general sales tax, which has led to a significant price gap between the market wholesale prices and the official rates. The discrepancies in prices range from Rs60 to Rs100 per kg.
The implementation of the new budget has added to the complications faced by grocery merchants, with the introduction of several new taxes. In light of these challenges, the association has issued an ultimatum, stating that unless reforms are implemented and heavy fines and challans are abolished, all grocery shops across Punjab will be forced to close down.
Saleem Parvez Butt, President of the Central Association of Grocery Merchants, has expressed his concerns regarding the rising wholesale prices of pulses in the markets. Prices have soared by Rs60 to Rs100 per kg. He criticized the deputy commissioner for enforcing the sale of pulses, white chickpeas, and rice at artificially low fixed prices, while simultaneously imposing heavy fines and challans. He believes that this practice is unacceptable.
All provincial central district leaders of the Grocery Merchants Association have come together to urge the deputy commissioners and the government to address the escalating wholesale prices of pulses, white gram, and rice. They have highlighted the substantial increase in these prices in the wholesale markets. Additionally, price control magistrates have been imposing hefty fines through what the association considers unjustified challans. The association is demanding that the government and deputy commissioners establish appropriate profit margins for retailers and grocery merchants that align with the current wholesale rates.
While vendors are willing to cooperate, they are unable to purchase expensive pulses, rice, and white gram at high wholesale prices and then sell them at artificially low rates.
Source: [Source](https://tribune.com.pk)
