ISLAMABAD: A consumer has raised concerns over a steep price difference after being charged Rs1,490 for a bottle of Deva Nectar Williams Pear at A Stop Aramco Filling Station on Embassy Road, Islamabad.

A payment receipt reviewed by The Public Purview confirms the transaction amount. The consumer claims the same imported beverage is commonly available at supermarkets, specialty stores and online retailers in Pakistan for approximately Rs700 to Rs800.

While retailers are generally free to set their own prices, the nearly double price has sparked questions about pricing transparency at petrol-pump convenience stores, where customers often make purchases without comparing market rates.

The incident comes at a time when inflation continues to squeeze household budgets, making consumers increasingly sensitive to unexpected markups on everyday products.

Although no publicly known regulation requires petrol-pump tuck shops to match supermarket prices, consumer rights advocates argue that significant price differences should be clearly disclosed to help buyers make informed purchasing decisions.

The case raises a broader question: when does convenience pricing become excessive, and should regulators take a closer look at pricing practices at fuel-station retail outlets?

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