Prices of most of essential items increase

TAHIR AMIN & WAQAR LILLAH

ISLAMABAD: Prices of most of the essential kitchen items increased during the last week as compared to the preceding week, with the exception of a slight decline in rates of some vegetables, revealed a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday.

People from different walks of life hold the government solely responsible for the unprecedented hike in food items, saying that there is no check and balance as the hoarders and profiteers are fleecing the consumers. Although, the approved price lists have been issued by the government, yet the traders of twin cities are not following the prescribed list.

Traders and wholesalers in different markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi/Islamabad told Business Recorder that prices of most of the essential kitchen items including fruits, vegetables, flour, pulses, rice and fuel increased during the week past as compared to the preceding week. However, sugar and ghee/cocking oil prices remained unchanged last week past.

According to traders flour price increased by Rs 2 per kg while a further increase is expected soon. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) price increased by Rs 19 per kg during last one week.

The survey revealed slight decline in some vegetables prices as carrots were available at Rs 30 per kg against previous price of Rs 40 per kg, ladyfinger at Rs 25 per kg against Rs 40 per kg and shimla mirch at Rs 40 against Rs 60 per kg. However, tomato was available at Rs 60 per kg against Rs 40 per kg last week registering a substantial increase of Rs 20 per kg in a week. Onion was available at Rs 40 per kg against previous price of Rs 32-35 per kg, lemon at Rs 150-180 against Rs 140-160 per kg, potato at Rs 50-60 per kg against Rs 40 per kg and arvi at Rs 70 against Rs 60 per kg.

It was observed that wholesalers and retailers, particularly of fruits and vegetables were fleecing the consumers despite tall claims of the authorities concerned to keep check on food items prices. Dates prices were ranging between Rs 160-480 per kg while chicken meat was being sold at Rs 360-380 per kg. Chicken price remained at Rs 150-160 per kg. Price of Basin regularly used in Ramadan for making pakoras soared from Rs 110 to 130 per kg. Yogurt was being sold at Rs 75 to Rs 90 while one litre of milk costs Rs 90. Mango was available at Rs 60-80 per kg, banana at Rs 180-380 per dozen, guava at Rs 100-120 per kg, apple at Rs 180-200 per kg, peach at Rs 100-150 per kg and grapes at Rs 250-300 per kg.

Rice colonel was available at Rs 125-130 per kg while broken rice at was being sold at Rs 80-90 per kg. Prices of entire range of pulses remained on high side during last week as compared to the preceding week as Maash was being sold at Rs 160 per kg, Moong at Rs 160 per kg, Lobia at Rs 130 per kg, Masoor at Rs 135 per kg and white Channa at Rs 180 per kg.