TAXILA: The local administrations in twin cities of Taxila and Wah have failed to implement official price list of poultry products as retailers are blatantly flouting government notified rates since last fortnight.

On the other hand, instead of visiting the markets themselves, the relevant price control magistrates depute their subordinates to check the prices, who do not command authority, making little impact on price control.

The profiteering mafia through overcharging is robbing the citizens while the local administration has so far failed to arrest the everincreasing poultry prices.

Chicken meat, instead of official rate of Rs597 per kg, is being sold for Rs730 per kg, an alarming increase of Rs 310 per kg within a week. Desi chicken price has soared to Rs 1,100 per kilogram, making life of the consumers more difficult.

The retailers alleged that the local administration is issuing fake rate lists while consumers voiced concerns over the government`s inability to regulate prices, particularly those of essential commodities.

It has also been observed that the retailers are not dis-playing the official rate lists, refusing to sell chicken at the official rate.

`The meat of broiler chicken, which was being sold at Rs 500 per kg a few weeks ago, has now exceeded Rs600 per kg, acknowledged Mohammad Awais, a retailer.

Kiran Khan, a consumer, said buying broiler chicken had gone beyond their financial reach.

Former UC chairman Malik Mohammad Pervaiz said: `It is the responsibility of the district administration to ensure strict implementation of the official price.

Amid government claim of decrease in inflation, the pricesof essential commodities continue to soar, with chicken meat witnessing an unprecedented surge, said Madiha Kokaba social worker.

M u n a z a Peerzadachairperson of a local NGO was of the view that the authorities have failed to rein in the soaring prices, creating more burden for consumers. She sought relevantauthorities` immediate intervention to help stabilize prices and address the underlying supply chain issues.

`Our sales have significantly dropped due to the sudden increase in prices,` said Farman Ullaha chicken shop owner located at the Railway Road, adding the prices remained stable for a couple of months, which boosted their sale.

Mohammad Saleem, owner of a broiler chicken shop located at Faisal Shaheed Road, few yards away from the Assistant Commissioner`s office, said they purchased chicken at exorbitant rates from the wholesale market,therefore, it was impossible for them to sell it at a lower price.

Meanwhile, talking to this reporter, Sohail Ahmed, officebearer of local Poultry Association, said that a few poultry farm owners, who were hand in glove, dictated the rates in the market and the government authorities fail to take action against them.

Small shopkeepers, meanwhile, have to bear the brunt of fine imposed by local price magistrates, adding that if the government wanted to give relief to the common man, it must evolve a mechanism to control prices and take the violators to task.