Prices of most essential items holding steady

TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: Prices of most of the essential kitchen items remained stable sans any significant change last week, as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey carried out by Business Recorder here on Saturday.

Traders and wholesalers in different markets of Rawalpindi/Islamabad said that  prices of most of the essential kitchen items remained unchanged last week and no significant decline or increase was observed in the prices. However, chicken prices registered an increase of Rs 10 per kg as it was available at Rs 195 per kg against its previous price of Rs 185. Traders expected more increase in chicken price in coming days due to increase demand and short supply.   Survey noted that basin was available at Rs 85-100 per kg in different markets of the twin cities. Similarly, pickle (achar) was available at Rs 60 to Rs 100 per 250g. Red chilli powder was available at Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kg. Similarly different spices prices are also increasing as Ramazan is fast approaching.

Survey revealed that onion was available at Rs 25-27 per kg, potato at Rs 25 per kg, tomato at Rs 20 per kg, cucumber at Rs 30-32 per kg, shimla mirch at Rs 100 per kg, carrot at Rs 40 per kg, karela at Rs 40, ladyfinger at Rs 40 and arvi at Rs 50 per kg without significant changes in their prices.

Ghee and cocking prices remained unchanged last week, as it was available at Rs 185-210 per kg/liter. Similarly, no change was observed in flour, sugar, rice and pulses prices. Rice prices remained unchanged last week, as broken rice was available at Rs 75 per kg, basmati depending on quality was available at Rs 100-120 per kg while super carnel was available at Rs 125 per kg. Fruit prices showed a slight decline as banana was available at Rs 120-140 per dozen against Rs 170-180 last week. Mango was available at Rs 40-60 per kg against Rs 50-70 per kg last week. Melon was available at Rs 20-25 per kg, water million at Rs 15-20 per kg, peach was available at Rs 60-100 per kg depending on quality and plum was available at Rs 60 to Rs 100 per kg without a significant change. Apple prices remained un-change during last week. Dark red and golden apple was available at Rs 170 to Rs 220 per kg depending on quality.