QUETTA: Despite clear instructions from the divisional and district administrations of Hyderabad regarding price control over essential commodities before commencement of holy month of Ramzan-ul-Mubarak, the rates of goods remained high both in wholesale and retail markets of Quetta.

Ramzan is said to be the month of blessings but high prices on each and every commodity posing threats of financial constraints for consumers with troubles and worries.

Nearly few days left for commencement of Ramzan-ul-Mubarak, the hoarders started hoarding of essential commodities with the goals to market the same by creating artificial shortage so that they could earn maximum profits from these goods.

20 rupees increased in the par kilogram of tomato and its new price is 80 rupees. Likewise, price of milk and meat too has increased significantly.

In other Muslims countries of the world, essential commodities available with discount rates even relief on goods also available in Non-Muslim countries, but in Pakistan, the hoarders and profiteers make Ramazn for getting maximum profits and consider this month the month of profiteering.

The shopkeepers blamed the wholesalers for the increase in prices while the public criticizing the price control committees for not performing their duties properly.

The local administration and price control committees failed to maintain the prices of daily use. The price of basic necessities of life including vegetables, meat and milk has increased manifold.

Vendors and shopkeepers charging enormously on daily items and people are forced to buy due to unavailability of any substitute option.

Vegetable and fruit vendors acknowledged about the sharp increase in prices of some of the vegetables.

Besides vegetables, the price of fruits including mango, apricot and plums goes up to before the advent of Ramazan.