By M.Ilyas Mullakhel
Peshawar — Ordinary citizens in Peshawar are bearing the brunt of relentless inflation as federal, provincial, and district governments remain powerless against the flour, sugar, and ghee mafia.The price of a 20 Kilograms bag of flour has surged by Rs700, now selling for Rs2,200.Meanwhile, sugar is priced at Rs190 per kilogram, and ghee has climbed to Rs 450 per Kilogram, pushing basic necessities further out of reach.
According to market sources, government departments, district administration, and food authorities are nowhere to be seen in enforcing checks and balances.No price control policy has been implemented, nor have supply chain issues been addressed.This administrative failure has emboldened traders, mill owners, and mafias to dictate market rates, leaving consumers with no choice but to pay inflated prices.
Citizens complain that government announced relief measures exist only on paper.Neither the federal government, nor the provincial authorities, nor district officials have taken practical steps to provide any respite.Citizens allege that traders and mill owners, through secret collusion, are exploiting the situation while government agencies stand by as silent spectators.
The deepening crisis has hit the poor and middle classes the hardest, as essential commodities slip beyond their purchasing power.Public circles warn that without urgent intervention, the unchecked rise in food prices could further fuel public anger.They have demanded immediate and decisive government action to break the mafia’s grip and ensure that flour, sugar, and ghee are sold at officially approved rates.
