LAHORE (Dunya News) – Sugar is slipping through the cracks of government control in Lahore, as shopkeepers sell it at inflated prices instead of the official rate.
Despite the government setting the sugar price at Rs173 per kilogram, most retailers are calling the shots and selling it for as high as Rs200 to Rs210.
The price hike has left Lahoris reeling under pressure, especially as inflation continues to bite and the cost of other essential items also goes through the roof.
Even price control magistrates seem to have thrown in the towel, as they fail to enforce the official rate across the city. Major departmental stores have also washed their hands of sugar sales altogether. In most big and small retail stores, sugar has completely vanished from the shelves.
Retailers, on the other hand, argue that they’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. According to them, the wholesale price of sugar is around Rs190 per kg, making it impossible to sell it at Rs173 without bearing a loss.
“We can’t sell sugar at a loss. Those who are doing so will eventually go out of business,” said one store owner.
Frustrated consumers are now urging the authorities to step up and get a grip on the situation.
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Many are demanding that strict action be taken against hoarders and profiteers, and that the government ensure sugar is available at the official price.
With no sign of relief in sight, residents are left high and dry, once again caught in the crossfire of poor regulation and market manipulation.