Residents have expressed growing concern over the continuous increase in food costs and the inability of the district administration to implement official price caps.
Citizens stated that essential commodities have become increasingly unaffordable for households with low incomes. The public alleged that price-control magistrates and the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) Force have failed to stop profiteering and artificial inflation. Muhammad Ali said the escalating cost of basic goods has made it difficult for ordinary families to afford two meals a day.
Wheat is currently selling for between Rs5,400 and Rs5,600 per maund in the open market, according to Ali. The official rate for wheat is set at Rs3,800 per maund. A 15-kg bag of fine flour has surpassed the price of Rs2,500.
Flour from local mills is being sold at rates of Rs165 to Rs170 per kilogram. Zakia Khanum claimed that persistent unemployment and inflation are worsening household hardships and causing domestic disputes.
Khanum also stated that personnel from the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and local administrations across the Faisalabad Division, including Jhang, Chiniot, and Toba Tek Singh, have failed to control prices effectively. Abdul Hameed reported that prices for several vegetables have risen sharply.
Onions are selling for Rs180 to Rs200 per kg, while peas have reached Rs500 per kg, according to Hameed. Hameed added that the prices of ginger, tomatoes, and other essential vegetables have also increased.
Citizens noted that shopkeepers are frequently setting their own prices for milk, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and meat products such as beef, mutton, and broiler chicken. The public claimed that official price lists are allegedly going unenforced in bazaars, roadside outlets, and temporary stalls. Lower-grade peas are selling for Rs500 per kg.
