Sir: I would like to draw the attention of the concerned authorities to the unprecedented hike in prices of essential commodities. This year prices of essential commodities have shot up greatly and this trend continues unchecked. As a result, the majority of people who have meagre salaries find it difficult to make both ends meet. It seems there is no system to check the unusual price rise. A man with a fixed income finds it very difficult to survive and he is always in trouble, unable to figure a way out of his condition. The high price rise is a cause of great concern for all.Nonetheless, there is always a solution to every problem. It is imperative for the concerned government officials that they check the cause behind the increasing prices without any delay. The black marketers, hoarders and profiteers must be apprehended, and those who are found guilty should be penalised.SYED ALI RAZAKarachi