The Karyana Merchant Association has announced that they will not sell sugar, mutton, beef, and chicken at government-fixed rates starting Friday to protest against low profit margins.
According to the association president, Saleem Parvez, selling sugar at low profit-marign is not feasible for them.
He said they cannot buy sugar at Rs163 per kg and sell it for Rs164 per kg, as there is an additional cost of Rs10 per kg for transportation, shopping bags, and loading.
The association demanded that shopkeepers be given a profit margin of Rs10 per kg on the wholesale price of sugar and rejected the government’s fixed price of Rs164 per kg.
Separately, the Deputy Commissioner has warned that any shop selling sugar for more than Rs164 per kg will be sealed, and legal action will be taken against the shopkeeper.
In addition to Karyana Merchant Association, the sugar, mutton, beef, and chicken retailers have also announced a strike due to price concerns.
The strike has raised concerns about the availability of these items at in Rawalpindi.
During the holy month of Ramazan, the prices of basic commodities often rise in Pakistan, as retailers try to maximise their profit margins. During Ramazan, the retailers also stock up on a basic commodity like sugar, meat, and flour, only to store it and sell it for a ridiculously higher price.
There are also seasonal and supply chain issues that push prices up. Although the government tries to impose a limit to what people are charged by setting a cap, the order is not followed, which makes it easy for a black market to flourish.
The prices of goods, especially those imported, go higher due to inflation and depreciation of the currency.
