SRINAGAR, MARCH 03: On the second day of the holy month of Ramadan, the demand for dates has surged across Kashmir, leading to a price war between vendors and shopkeepers in Srinagar and other parts of the valley. With enforcement agencies missing in action, consumers are left at the mercy of fluctuating rates.
Despite government claims of price regulation, vendors in Srinagar continue to sell dates at varying rates. While shopkeepers brand their stock as “premium quality,” smaller vendors claim to offer better deals. A street vendor in Lal Chowk’s bustling market stated that big shops charge extra for their name, while smaller sellers offer the same dates at better prices. Meanwhile, a shop owner nearby insisted that their dates are sourced from the best regions and priced reasonably.
Consumers remain caught in the middle of this pricing disparity. “There is no uniform pricing. Every shopkeeper is charging as per their will,” said Adil Ahmad, a shopper in Srinagar, who accused the government of making hollow promises without enforcing price checks. Another shopper urged authorities to take concrete action rather than issuing statements from their offices.
A resident of Rajbagh voiced frustration over the ineffective market inspections. “Whenever officials visit, they are accompanied by more media persons than actual inspectors. We don’t know if they are here for an inspection or just for publicity,” he remarked.
Officials from the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Department admitted their inability to act. “We too are consumers and are witnessing the soaring prices, but we are helpless,” an official said. Another official, speaking anonymously, stated that the department lacks enforcement powers. “If the government truly cares about the people, they should restore our authority so we can take action,” he added.
The enforcement wing of the FCS&CA Department has remained inactive for the past two to three years, leaving consumers vulnerable to unchecked price hikes during the holy month. (KNO)