Rawalpindi Traders Reject Official Food Prices
Rawalpindi traders have rejected the district’s new official food prices, calling them unrealistic and warning of a shutter-down strike if the rates are not revised.
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir fixed the prices for pulses, rice, milk, meat, yoghurt and bread, and issued a formal notification. The Karyana Merchants Association, Milkmen Union, Naanbai Association and Mutton and Beef Retailers Union all rejected the list.
The associations described the rates as drawing-room prices, set without regard for wholesale rates. They said the prices belonged to the year 2000 and challenged the deputy commissioner to name wholesale markets or shops supplying goods at the notified rates.
Official rates far below market prices
The gap between the official list and shop prices is wide. New Basmati Super rice has been fixed at Rs240 per kilogram, and old rice at Rs255, while the market sells rice for Rs300 to Rs400 per kilogram. Irri rice has been fixed at Rs260 per kilogram.
Pulses show the same pattern. Large white chickpeas are fixed at Rs265 per kilogram against a market price of Rs390 to Rs400. Small white chickpeas are fixed at Rs223, but sell for around Rs350. Black chickpeas are fixed at Rs277 against a market price of Rs350.
Gram pulse has been fixed at Rs260 per kilogram, compared with a market price of Rs350. Moong pulse is fixed at Rs280 against Rs360 in the market, and mash pulse at Rs450 against Rs600. Masoor pulse is fixed at Rs224 against a market price of Rs300.
Ground red chilli has been fixed at Rs236 per kilogram, while it sells for Rs450. Milk is fixed at Rs220 per litre against a market price of Rs250, and yoghurt at Rs240 per kilogram against Rs280. Beef is fixed at Rs1,200 per kilogram, while it sells for Rs1,500 to Rs1,700. Mutton is fixed at Rs2,200 against a market price of Rs2,700. Ghee will sell at the rate printed on its packaging.
| Item | Official price | Market price |
|---|---|---|
| Basmati Super rice (new) | Rs240/kg | Rs300-400/kg |
| Large white chickpeas | Rs265/kg | Rs390-400/kg |
| Gram pulse | Rs260/kg | Rs350/kg |
| Moong pulse | Rs280/kg | Rs360/kg |
| Mash pulse | Rs450/kg | Rs600/kg |
| Milk | Rs220/litre | Rs250/litre |
| Beef | Rs1,200/kg | Rs1,500-1,700/kg |
| Mutton | Rs2,200/kg | Rs2,700/kg |
Rawalpindi traders demand a price control meeting
The associations have demanded an immediate meeting of the District Price Control Committee to fix prices in line with wholesale rates and market conditions. If the meeting is not called, they warned, they will launch a shutter-down strike and protests.
The deputy commissioner, meanwhile, has circulated the new list among shopkeepers, wholesale dealers and trade associations across the district. He warned that shopkeepers who fail to display the list or sell at the notified rates will face challans, fines and the registration of FIRs. Price magistrates have been told to enforce the rates.
What the row means for households
For Rawalpindi households, the row leaves prices in limbo. Official rates promise relief, but traders say they cannot sell at a loss. If the strike goes ahead, shops could shut and supplies could tighten, pushing prices up rather than down.
The dispute also shows the limits of price control. Punjab’s environment agency has blamed India’s Diwali fireworks for Lahore’s toxic air, another case where official action meets ground realities. Cricket matches in Rawalpindi have disrupted trade and daily life, while Faisalabad’s air quality has hit hazardous levels. A row between Punjab minister Azma Bokhari and federal minister Salik Hussain has also made headlines.
The next step is the District Price Control Committee. Both sides will need to agree on rates that shops can honour and households can afford.
Frequently asked questions
Who fixed the new food prices in Rawalpindi?
Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir fixed the prices and issued a formal notification for pulses, rice, milk, meat, yoghurt and bread.
Why did traders reject the prices?
Traders say the rates are far below wholesale and market prices, and describe them as unrealistic drawing-room prices that date back to the year 2000.
What action have traders threatened?
They have demanded a meeting of the District Price Control Committee, warning of a shutter-down strike and protests if it is not called.
What happens to shopkeepers who ignore the list?
The deputy commissioner warned of challans, fines and FIRs for shops that fail to display the list or sell above the notified rates.
How wide is the gap between official and market prices?
The gap is large. Basmati rice is fixed at Rs240 per kilogram but sells for up to Rs400, while mutton is fixed at Rs2,200 against a market price of Rs2,700.
