Ahmed Khan Malik

Consumer protection groups warn that outdated price monitoring in Sindh are contributing to persistent inflation, as authorities struggle to effectively regulate market prices and prevent arbitrary increases in essential commodities.

Despite growing public concern over the rising cost of food and household items, the province continues to rely on an antiquated framework for price assessment that has not kept pace with the complexity of today’s markets. As a result, inflationary trends often go unchecked, burdening households and undermining market stability.

Sindh’s price regulation structure is largely based on district-level committees, periodic market surveys, and manual reporting — processes designed decades ago when markets were smaller and product movement was far more predictable.

“These systems were designed for a time when markets were smaller, product flows were simpler, and data demands were limited,” said Siraj Rehmani, Secretary of the Consumers Protection Association. In modern markets, he added, the outdated mechanisms fail to capture real-time price changes, leaving authorities unable to respond effectively.

One of the biggest challenges, according to Rehmani, is manual data collection. Price inspectors typically visit select markets once or twice a week to record the rates of essential commodities. “This limited sampling fails to capture fluctuations caused by supply disruptions, seasonal demand, or speculation,” he told WealthPK. With goods now sourced from across Pakistan and abroad, price movements occur much faster than the reporting system can reflect. “As a result, government decisions are often based on outdated or incomplete information,” he said.

The absence of digital monitoring tools further weakens the system. Many countries — and even some provinces within Pakistan — have adopted mobile-based applications that record prices daily and allow consumers to verify official rates. “Sindh’s lack of such platforms means both buyers and sellers operate without transparency. Consumers are frequently charged higher-than-notified rates, especially in Karachi and Hyderabad, where enforcement is weak,” Rehmani noted.

Another long-standing issue is the outdated weights and measures system still used in many markets. Complaints about short-weighting, faulty scales, and manipulated measurements are common. “While laws exist to regulate these practices, enforcement is sporadic and often hampered by limited staffing and outdated inspection tools. In many places, digital scales are not mandated or calibrated regularly, allowing manipulation that contributes to hidden inflation,” he added.

Poor coordination between provincial authorities, district administrations, and market committees also affects implementation. Price lists may be issued regularly, but enforcement is left to local officials who lack the manpower to monitor hundreds of markets simultaneously. Vendors, aware of weak oversight, often charge arbitrary rates, particularly during high-demand periods such as Ramadan or seasonal transitions.

Commodities and markets expert Shamsul Islam said that without accurate and timely data, policymakers cannot determine which sectors are contributing most to inflation. Sudden spikes in the prices of vegetables or pulses often go unexplained because there is no integrated system linking production trends, transportation costs, wholesale rates, and retail prices. “This lack of a holistic view prevents the government from addressing the root causes of inflation,” he said.

To modernize the system, he recommended introducing a digital price monitoring platform with real-time data collection across major markets. “This would allow both the government and consumers to track fluctuations instantly. Regular calibration of digital scales, strict action against short-weighting, and mandatory display of official price lists could also help bring order to retail markets,” he added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk