ISLAMABAD: With only one day left in the start of the holy month of Ramadan, the prices of poultry and other kitchen items have witnessed a surge in the federal capital.
The poultry dealers have increased the prices of these items putting extra burden on the middle and lower middle class of the capital, which are in majority.
According to a survey conducted by APP, the average rate of alive chicken in open market is Rs. 175 while the same chicken was being sold at Rs. 150-155 in the last week.
The official figures of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed that prices of potatoes have gone up to Rs. 67 per kg during the week ended on Thursday as against Rs. 61 per kg of the preceding week. Chicken price has also enhanced to Rs. 168 per kg from Rs. 162 per kg.
During the period under review tomatoes, onions, curd, milk fresh, and sugar prices have also increased considerably.
Potatoes being sold at Rs. 65-70 per kg last week are now available at Rs. 80-90 per kg, tomatoes were available at Rs. 45-50 per kg against Rs 40. per kg week past, chicken alive was being sold at Rs. 170-180 per kg against Rs. 150-155 per kg week past price, onion was available at Rs. 50 per kg against Rs. 40 per kg week past price, curd Rs. 120 per kg against Rs. 115 per kg week past price, milk fresh was available at Rs. 105-110 per liter against Rs. 100 per liter week past price whereas sugar was being sold at Rs. 60 per kg against Rs. 56 per kg week past price.
"With the advent of Ramazan, I am confused to buy items for Sehar and Iftar, as there is no check on food prices," said Habib-ur-Rehman.
He urged the authorities to control the sky-rocketing prices at least in the holy month of Ramadan.
Sharp increase was also observed in the prices of fresh vegetables and fruit as they were being sold at exorbitant rates in the retail markets of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
Pumpkin was available at Rs. 40-45 per kg, Tinda at Rs 60-70 per kg, green toori at Rs. 50-60 per kg, ladyfinger at Rs. 60 per kg, bitter gourd Karela at Rs. 70-90 per kg and capsicum at Rs. 70-80 per kg.
In fruits, mangoes were being sold at Rs. 100-120 per kg, Bananas were being sold at Rs. 160-255 per dozen and apple at Rs. 100-150 per kg unchanged last week as compared to the preceding week.
"In other Islamic countries, the prices of these daily-use items are reduced in Ramadan, but in Pakistan the situation is contrary," said Ajmal Sami, a government servant.
He said the weekly and Ramadan bazars were the only source of providing these items on reasonable rates otherwise the retailers were profiteering with both hands.
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