Two-thirds of the Holy Month is over, and food prices are at an all-time high. Despite strict surveillance by magistrates to control price hikes and adulteration of food, this Ramadan, like always, traders are doing everything against the law.

With Ramadan just two days away, consumers will have to deal with the hiked prices of essential for the month of fasting this year.

Consumers are bracing for multiple price shocks ahead of Ramadan that usually marks a period of high household spending.

Though there is currently no supply crunch in the country, a section of unscrupulous importers and traders have already hiked the prices of essentials, creating an artificial crisis to make extra profits ahead of Ramadan, said a home ministry report.