Inflation Surges in Quetta as Price Gougers Run Unchecked; Citizens Demand Strict Enforcement of Official Rates
QUETTA: A sharp rise in inflation has further aggravated the difficulties faced by residents of Balochistan’s capital, as the lack of effective action against price gougers has reportedly pushed the prices of essential commodities to arbitrary levels.
Prices of vegetables, fruits, meat, milk, flour, sugar and other daily-use items continue to fluctuate, placing a growing financial burden on citizens.
Residents said enforcement of the official price list in markets was virtually non-existent, with many shopkeepers allegedly setting their own prices and selling essential commodities at rates of their choice. They said there appeared to be little effective monitoring of prices despite repeated increases.
Citizens said managing household budgets on limited incomes had become extremely difficult. While salaries remained largely unchanged, daily expenses continued to rise, making it increasingly challenging for families to meet their basic needs.
Public representatives and citizens expressed concern that the district administration frequently claimed to have taken action against profiteers, but the situation in markets remained largely unchanged.
Residents said strict implementation of the official price list and indiscriminate action against profiteers could provide much-needed relief to the public.
Citizens urged the Balochistan government and district administration to ensure daily monitoring of prices in all markets and areas of Quetta. They also demanded that official price lists be prominently displayed at markets and that strict action be taken against traders who violate the prescribed rates.
The public further called for price control committees to be made fully functional in every area, while effective measures should be adopted to prevent artificial price hikes and hoarding.
Citizens stressed the need for a permanent and effective mechanism to ensure the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices and provide sustainable relief to the people.
