Prices of essential food items soar

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: Prices of most of the essential food items in different markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad witnessed an upward trend last week as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday.

Potatoes were being sold at Rs 50 per kg against Rs 45 last week, onion at Rs 75 per kg against Rs 70 per kg last week rate, tomatoes at Rs 80-90 per kg against Rs 75-80 per kg week past price, eggs were available at Rs 105 per dozen, wheat flour 10kg bag was available at Rs 410 last week as compared to the preceding week.

Traders and wholesalers in different markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad said that vegetable ghee (loose) was available at Rs 168 per kg while vegetable ghee (2.5 kg tin) was being sold at Rs 490 and cooking oil (2.5 litre tin) was available at Rs 530 last week as compared to the preceding week.

The survey noted that vegetables like, green chili, Shimila Mirch, cabbage, lady finger and cucumber remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week. No significant change was also noted in fruits price last week as compared to the preceding week, as bananas was being sold at Rs 80-120 per dozen, apple was being sold at Rs 100-200 per kg last week as compared to preceding week.

The survey noted that meat prices remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week, as mutton was being sold at Rs 600-620 per kg and beef at Rs 280-300 per kg.

Meanwhile, price of entire range of pulses remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week, as Mash washed was available at Rs 140-160 per kg, Moong at Rs 130-150 per kg, Masoor at Rs 120-130 per kg, while rice basmati broken was available at Rs 90 per kg during last week as compared to the preceding week.