Curb Ramazan price hike

2026-02-08 - 22:26

The prices of vegetables and fruits have once again started creeping up ahead of Ramazan. This comes after these items had touched rare seasonal lows due to a winter production glut. With the holy month expected to begin in third week of this month, consumers are already feeling the strain as traders raise prices in anticipation of increased demand, a pattern that has regrettably become all too familiar. Price hikes before and during Ramazan are an annual occurrence in the country. Every year, as families prepare for the holy month, hoarders and profiteers take advantage of the situation by artificially inflating prices of essential food items. This practice not only violates basic principles of fair trade but also contradicts the spirit of Ramazan, a month that emphasizes self-restraint, charity and concern for the less fortunate. That such exploitation continues unabated in a Muslim-majority country during a sacred period is deeply unfortunate.This year, too, the trend has repeated itself. Despite sufficient availability of vegetables and fruits in wholesale markets, retail prices have surged well ahead of Ramazan. Both federal and provincial governments announce Ramazan relief or subsidy packages every year to support deserving families. However, the benefits of these initiatives are often neutralised by unchecked profiteering in open markets. When essential food items become unaffordable, relief packages offer little comfort, especially to middle and lower-middle classes who do not qualify for subsidies but are equally affected by rising living costs.There is an urgent need for coordinated and decisive action by authorities at all levels. The relevant authorities must actively monitor wholesale and retail markets to prevent hoarding and overcharging. Transparent pricing, regular inspections and strict penalties for violations are essential to deter profiteers. Moreover, improving supply chain management and ensuring smooth transportation of produce can help stabilise prices during periods of high demand.Ensuring affordable access to essential items during Ramazan is not merely an economic issue, it is a moral and social responsibility. The holy month should not become a period of financial anxiety for common man.