Punjab Government'S Ramadan Crackdown On Price Gouging And Inspections

On February 25, 2026, Punjab authorities intensified their enforcement efforts during Ramadan, conducting over 80,000 inspections across the province in a single day. This extensive crackdown led to the arrest of 650 individuals and the registration of 73 cases against those found guilty of profiteering. Dr. Kiran Khurshid, Secretary of Food Safety, stated, "We have imposed fines exceeding Rs 11.6 million on traders engaged in unjustified price hikes," highlighting the government's commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for artificial price increases during the holy month. The enforcement teams focused particularly on poultry markets, where they conducted raids at over 4,300 locations, resulting in actions against 916 butchers for overcharging on chicken meat.