The Karachi administration has notified new official prices for pulses, rice and spices, with the Commissioner’s Office enforcing the revised rates under the Sindh Essential Commodities Act to curb profiteering and provide relief to consumers.
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According to a notification issued on Saturday, Commissioner Karachi Hasan Naqvi has fixed the prices and directed all wholesalers, retailers and departmental stores to prominently display the official price lists at their shops. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against those found charging above the notified rates or violating the orders.
Officials said the new prices had come into effect immediately and would remain applicable until further notice. The administration has also instructed price control and enforcement teams to intensify market inspections across the city to ensure compliance with the notified rates.
Under the revised price structure for pulses, daal mash has been fixed at Rs335 per kilogram, while daal moong will be sold at Rs340 per kilogram. The prices of daal masoor and daal chana have both been set at Rs200 per kilogram. Kabuli chana has been fixed at Rs295 per kilogram, whereas black chana will be available at Rs190 per kilogram.
For rice, kernel basmati rice has been priced at Rs365 per kilogram, while ordinary basmati rice will be sold at Rs195 per kilogram, according to the notification.
The commissioner has also notified new rates for commonly used spices. Red chilli powder has been fixed at Rs750 per kilogram, while whole hybrid red chilli will be sold at Rs560 per kilogram. Whole coriander has been priced at Rs430 per kilogram and coriander powder at Rs480 per kilogram. Turmeric powder has been fixed at Rs590 per kilogram, while whole turmeric will be available at Rs535 per kilogram.
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Commissioner Naqvi said the revised rates were aimed at stabilising prices of essential food items and protecting consumers from overcharging. He added that violators would face fines, sealing of shops and other legal action under the relevant laws.