Inflation Soars in Karachi Ahead of Ramadan
With just weeks to go before the holy month of Ramadan, prices of essential food items in Karachi have surged sharply, putting immense pressure on low- and middle-income families.
Residents say inflation has reached alarming levels even before Ramadan begins. Prices of daily-use items such as pulses, cooking oil and ghee, meat, flour, sugar, and vegetables have reportedly doubled in several markets. The rising costs have made it increasingly difficult for families to manage household budgets during a time traditionally marked by higher consumption and charity.
Consumers and traders claim that hoarders have become active ahead of Ramadan, stockpiling essential commodities to create artificial shortages and push prices even higher. Meanwhile, citizens allege that price control committees appear inactive, failing to monitor markets effectively or take action against profiteers.
Market visitors expressed frustration, saying there seems to be no effective check on overpricing. “There is no one to control the hoarders. The poor have been left helpless,” said one resident while shopping in a local market.