KARACHI: There is no doubt that consumers are being forced to pay extra on the purchase of vegetables and fruits by traders. However, the traders always keep themselves on the safe side by applying different tactics.
For example, if some consumer feels that he is being asked to pay extra money then the trader might pull the rate list from some hidden corner. He would point out to the consumer that he is neat and clean in his dealing as he is demanding what has been notified in the rate list.
He could be true in his words but consumers have no touchstone against which to judge if he has been made to pay for a commodity of fine quality but in fact handed one of low quality. In major markets like Empress and Gole Market the price list is being followed to an acceptable level but in Mohallas shopkeepers usually overcharge the consumers.
Their attitude becomes teasing when someone requests them to show him or her rate list of the City District Government Karachi (CDGK).The difference between the prices notified officially and those paid by consumers (as ascertained during interviews by this reporter during a random survey of markets) is reflected in the chart.
Price Chart
CDGK rate list Price as paid by consumers 1) Potato/Kg Rs20 (big size) Rs22
Potato/Kg Rs14 (small size) Rs18
2) Tomato/Kg Rs30 (No:1) Rs35
Tomato/Kg Rs20 (No:2) Rs22
3) Onion/Kg Rs22 (big size)
Onion/Kg Rs14 (small size) Rs18
4) Meat:
i) Beef with bones Rs110 Rs120
Beef without bones Rs140 Rs150
ii) Mutton/Kg Rs240(Category No:1) Rs250
Mutton/Kg Rs230 (Category No:2) The rate could not be known
