Global Rice News

The commissioner of Karachi has taken action to regulate the prices of various grocery items in order to provide relief to consumers. The official rates of these items are often ignored by retailers, who fail to display price lists on their shops.

The city administration has fixed the rates of high-quality pulses, including Mash, Moong, Masoor, and gram, which are now priced at Rs495, Rs242, Rs275, and Rs204 per kg, respectively. Market rates for these items were higher, ranging from Rs520 to Rs580, Rs280 to Rs320, Rs300 to Rs360, and Rs220 to Rs260 per kg.

The official rates for various varieties of rice, such as kernel basmati export quality, kernel basmati No1, basmati 386, kernel basmati Sela No1, Irri 6, and Irri-9, have been fixed at Rs369, Rs341, Rs193, Rs286, Rs154, and Rs193 per kg, respectively. Retail rates for these rice varieties were slightly higher, ranging from Rs400 to Rs320, Rs250 to Rs370, Rs170 to Rs320, Rs320 to Rs154, and Rs170 to Rs220 per kg.

The commissioner has set the deadline of November 15, 2023, for revising the prices of these commodities if necessary, and the revised list will be enforced from November 16.

On October 27, the commissioner fixed the retail prices of live broiler and its meat at Rs324 and Rs502 per kg, respectively. The market rates for these items were slightly higher, ranging from Rs340 to Rs380 and Rs550 to Rs600 per kg.

Similarly, mutton was supposed to be sold at Rs1,540 per kg, but retailers are charging a higher price of Rs1,800 to Rs2,200 per kg. Various qualities of beef were also priced at rates mentioned on October 3, however, the market prices are either higher or lower than the official rates.

Ever since the official rate of Rs200 per litre of loose milk was enforced, retailers have been following the rates to avoid fines or imprisonment. The quality of loose milk has allegedly been compromised due to the fear of penalties.

The recent crackdown on sugar mafia and smugglers has instilled fear in market stakeholders, and consumers are calling for similar actions to be taken against other commodities. Chairman of Karachi Wholesalers Grocers Association, Rauf Ibrahim, suggests that the caretaker government should remain in power for the next year to monitor prices and combat illegal practices.

He further emphasizes the need for stock limits to discourage hoarding and regular checks to control the prices of essential items. The commissioner is determined to implement the rates in retail markets and strict actions will be taken against retailers and wholesalers who overcharge consumers.

These recent measures by the city administration aim to provide relief to consumers and create a more transparent and fair market for grocery items.