Consumers have the right to know the price of a product before buying it. In Pakistan, many people face problems in the retail market because prices are often unclear or change from one shop to another.
This lack of transparency makes it difficult for households to manage their daily expenses, especially during times of high inflation.
One possible solution is to expand the Third Schedule of sales tax to include essential grocery items. These items may include cooking oil, infant formula, tea whitener, dairy products, flour, milk, and frozen foods. By doing this, it would become necessary for manufacturers to print clear prices on product packaging.
When prices are printed and visible, shopkeepers will have less room to charge different rates for the same product. This can help reduce unfair price increases and bring more consistency across markets. It can also improve compliance with tax rules and make the system more organized.
For consumers, this step would build trust and make shopping easier. People would feel more confident knowing they are paying the correct price without having to ask or compare at multiple stores.
Experts believe that price transparency is not only important for tax purposes but also for protecting consumer rights. When prices are clear, families can better plan their spending and avoid unnecessary financial stress.
At a time when rising costs are already affecting many households, making prices visible and standardized can be a simple but effective way to support consumers and improve the overall retail system.
