Commenting on the increase in prices, CRCP secretary general, Mr. Abrar Hafeez said that the price hike was highly condemnable, as it was largely due to hoarding and artificial scarcity created by certain economic interests for unfair profiteering. “On the other hand, sale of substandard and adulterated food items is causing serious health risks for consumers” it said. “CRCP appreciates the campaign launched by the Rawalpindi district government against such practices but would like to underline that it needs to do a lot more effective steps to protect consumers from illegal profiteering and poor quality of consumer items”. CRCP demanded that District Nazims should continue their campaign even after Ramadan so that a sustained impact could be created for consumer protection.

CRCP survey indicates a very grim market situation. The survey included food items that are in high demand during the month of Ramadan e.g. cooking oil, ghee, seasonal vegetables, fruits, dates, pakora, samosas, sugar, milk etc. It showed 42% increase in prices of banana that is the highly demanded fruit during Ramadan. The fruit category has observed price increase from 28 to 42% during the last 10 days, while prices of seasonal vegetables are high from 6 to 33%. Price of loose milk has increased by about 10%, while the price of dates has increased by 25% in the first week of Ramadan.

Mian Abrar Hafeez said that there was no check on such unethical and unlawful business practices. He pointed out that price increase was also witnessed in the weekly Bazaars, which are supposed to provide essential items on reasonable rates. In addition to the price hike, sale of adulterated and substandard food items was observed by many consumers. Such items include red chilies, meat, milk and milk products and tomato ketchup. On the other hand, pakoras, samosas, fruit chat and dehi bhale, which are also in high demand, are being prepared and sold in various markets in extremely unhygienic conditions. CRCP demanded of the district authorities to take appropriate action to ensure maximum consumer protection.

CRCP particularly requested consumers to be vigilant against unfair business practices. They must boycott the black sheep among the traders and wonders and file complaints to the district authorities against the culprits. Such complaints may also be sent to the Consumer Complaint and Redress Forum. CRCP also demanded of the local authorities in Rawalpindi and Islamabad not to yield to the pressures by the vested interests, and do their best to protect consumers against profiteering and sale of adulterated and substandard products.