Vendors say that the government had fixed lemon prices far below the wholesale rate. “We cannot sell lemons at Rs60 per kilogramme less than the wholesale rate. The price fixed by the CDGL is too low,” said Muhammad Aslam, a greengrocer.
Talking to The Express Tribune, a market committee official said the government was trying to ensure the availability of lemons at Ramazan Bazaars. “We have failed to reach an agreement with the vendors over its price. Lemons are available at Rs240 per kg in the wholesale market. Why would the vendors sell them at Rs180 per kg in the Ramazan Bazaars?” he asked.
The government has fixed the price of premium quality desi lemons at Rs174 to Rs180 per kg. The price of a second grade lemon variety has been fixed at Rs104 to Rs110 per kg. Both varieties were unavailable at most Ramazan Bazaars on Wednesday 8 June.
Most vendors were found to be selling average quality Aseel dates at Rs130 per kg. A few stalls were offering Iranian dates for Rs161 to Rs167 per kg. Iraqi dates were not available.
Minister for Food Bilal Yasin has said that the government would give exemplary punishment to hoarders and profiteers. “The government has set up Ramazan Bazaars to facilitate people. We will not allow anybody to fleece citizens,” he said. The minister visited various Ramazan Bazaars in the city to check availability of essential commodities.
