Rampant Price Violations in Jhelum
In the Pakistani city of Jhelum, sugar prices have surged far beyond official limits, with local traders openly disregarding government regulations. Despite the Punjab government’s official rate of PKR 173 per kilogram, sugar is being sold in several parts of the district for PKR 200 to PKR 210 per kilogram, residents report. This trend mirrors the nationwide pattern, as reported in After Vegetables, Sugar Becomes Pakistan’s Next Crisis, where experts warn of worsening food inflation across the country.
Shopkeepers, locals say, are charging arbitrary prices without fear of consequence, as price control measures appear to have collapsed. There is no government oversight, said one frustrated customer. Traders are exploiting the situation while the administration remains silent.
Authorities Accused of Turning a Blind Eye
Residents accuse the local administration and price control magistrates of negligence. Many believe that weak enforcement has emboldened profiteers. The officials seem absent from the markets, said a shopkeeper in Jhelum Bazaar. There is no one checking prices anymore.
Consumers also complain that it is not just sugar. Other essential commodities — including flour, pulses, vegetables, and fruits — are being sold well above the notified prices. For many low-income families, this means cutting back on basic food items.
Inflation Deepens Financial Strain
Pakistan has been grappling with persistently high inflation, particularly in food items. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, year-on-year inflation reached nearly 24% in September 2025, with food inflation even higher in some regions. Rising fuel and transport costs have further increased the burden on ordinary citizens.
Local residents argue that the government’s price lists are little more than paperwork. These official rates are just printed on paper — they mean nothing in the market, said another consumer. There’s no real check-and-balance system left.
Citizens Demand Immediate Action
Residents have urged Jhelum’s Deputy Commissioner to take urgent notice of the violations. They are demanding strict action against hoarders and profiteers who, they say, are exploiting the crisis for personal gain.
Locals are calling for fines, arrests, and legal action against retailers found guilty of overcharging. Many stress that without visible enforcement, inflation will continue to spiral.
The public is being crushed under rising prices, one citizen lamented. If the government doesn’t act now, the situation will only worsen.
