As the holy month of Ramzan 2025 begins, inflation continues to wreak havoc on consumers across Sindh, with fruit and essential commodity prices skyrocketing due to unchecked profiteering and hoarding.

The failure to implement existing consumer protection laws has left ordinary citizens vulnerable to market exploitation. Over the past few weeks, prices of basic fruits and vegetables have tripled, making them inaccessible for many low-income families. Bananas, which were previously sold for Rs. 50 per dozen, are now priced at Rs. 150 per dozen.

Similarly, watermelon is selling at Rs. 200 per kg, an unaffordable rate for many citizens preparing for iftar. Despite the existence of laws like the Sindh Consumer Protection Act, 2014, and the Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2005, there has been no visible enforcement to protect consumers from artificial price hikes. Law without Implementation: Sindh Consumer Protection Act, 2014 The Sindh Consumer Protection Act, 2014, was enacted to protect consumers from unfair trade practices, price manipulation, and substandard goods and services.  Under Section 25, the Sindh government is required to establish a Provincial Consumer Protection Council and District Consumer Protection Councils (DCPCs) in all districts. These councils are mandated to: Monitor unfair pricing and protect consumer rights.

Remove defective or hazardous products from the market. Ensure consumer representation (at least 50% of the council’s membership). However, despite clear legal obligations, these councils remain either non-functional or have not been established at all. As a result, there is no formal mechanism to regulate skyrocketing prices or address consumer complaints during peak demand periods like Ramzan. Sindh’s District Consumer Protection Councils Remain Inactive According to Section 22 of the Sindh Consumer Protection Rules, Section 25 of the Sindh Consumer Protection act, each district must have a District Consumer Protection Council (DCPC), chaired by the Deputy Commissioner, with representation from: The Industries Department The Bureau of Supply & Prices The Chamber of Commerce & Industry. 

 Social workers and consumer rights activists. District Consumer Protection Council (DCPC) responsible for: Conducting price checks and penalizing profiteers. Educating consumers about their rights. Ensuring the availability of essential commodities at fair prices. However, no such councils are actively functioning in districts, leaving consumers with no official body to report price gouging or fraudulent trade practices.

Consumer Courts Are Overburdened and Ineffective The Sindh Consumer P rotection Act, 2014, also mandates the establishment of Consumer Courts to provide speedy justice for consumer-related complaints.  However, in reality: Consumer courts are overburdened with criminal, family, and civil cases, delaying the resolution of consumer complaints. Consumers lack awareness about these courts and rarely file cases. Due to slow legal proceedings, profiteers continue to exploit the market without fear of consequences. Without proper enforcement, the Consumer Courts exist only on paper, failing to provide any real relief to affected consumers. Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control Act: No Action on Profiteering Sindh Essential Commodities Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 2005, empowers the government to regulate prices and prevent stockpiling of essential goods.

Under this law: The Bureau of Supply & Prices must set and regulate prices of essential goods.  Inspectors are authorized to monitor market prices and impose penalties on profiteers. The Sindh government can take action against hoarders and traders violating price regulations. However, due to weak enforcement, market inspections remain infrequent, and artificial price hikes remain unchecked. No Consumer Rights Organizations in Sindh Unlike other provinces and countries where non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups actively work for consumer rights, Sindh lacks any independent consumer protection organizations.  There are no non-profit organizations monitoring market trends, raising awareness, or pressuring the government for stricter enforcement of consumer laws.

This absence of independent watchdogs further weakens consumer protection, allowing traders and wholesalers to exploit price fluctuations without accountability. Urgent Reforms Needed to Protect Consumers To combat artificial price hikes and market exploitation, experts recommend the following immediate actions: