Multan hits major helmet shortage

MULTAN: A major helmet shortage has hit Multan and various other districts of South Punjab, including a complete lack of stocks in markets, and thousands of motorcyclists who cannot travel.

The Punjab government’s tough implementation of the rules of the road has pushed demand sharply upward, while the market has failed to keep up.

Spare-part markets in Multan have witnessed empty shelves, as shopkeepers complained that wholesalers abruptly stopped supplying new stock. Prices have skyrocketed: what used to be around Rs 900 for a helmet now sells for Rs 4,000.

Motorcycle users claim the shortage has disrupted their daily routine and forced many to keep off the roads for fear of fines. Students, workers, labourers, and small traders who rely on motorcycles have been the hardest hit.

Shopkeepers say they have never seen anything like it for a balance between supply and demand. Some are quite honest and admit there are a few sellers taking advantage of the situation, while many more blame the issue on a sudden breakdown in wholesale supply.

Market observers feel the government launched the enforcement campaign without checking on existing inventory levels. They are calling for strict price monitoring and action against hoarding.