Prices of essential kitchen items show mixed trend

TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: The prices of essential kitchen items show a mixed trend as prices of some items registered a nominal decline, while of some others a little increase during the week under review as compared to the previous week, shows a survey carried out by Business Recorder on Saturday.

Traders and wholesalers in various markets of Rawalpindi/Islamabad said that prices of some of kitchen items including vegetables and chicken increased during the last week. Similarly, prices of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and some fruits decreased. However, the prices of most of the kitchen items remained unchanged during the last week as compared to the preceding week.

The survey noted that tomatoes and onions are being sold at Rs 50 per kg each against Rs 55 Rs 45 per kg last week. However, Shimla mirch is being sold at Rs 90 per kg against Rs 75 per kg, green chilies at Rs 130 per kg against Rs 115-120 per kg and cauliflower at Rs 45 per kg against Rs 55 last week. Prices of carrot, garlic and arvi remained unchanged at Rs 20, Rs 180 and Rs 50 per kg, respectively.

LPG prices decreased by Rs 10 per kg. However, the consumers termed it an eyewash as the impact was not passed on to them.

Chicken prices registered a significant increase during the last few weeks, as it is being sold at Rs 153 per kg against Rs 145 last week. No change was observed in sugar prices as it is being sold at Rs 50 per kg, while it is available at Rs 42 per kg at Utility Stores.

Similarly, no change was observed in gur prices - Rs 1200 to Rs 1500 per 5-kg. Last week, it was expected that the prices of cooking oil and ghee would increase due to tanker association’s strike. However, these remained unchanged during the week as compared to the preceding week - Rs 185-195 per liter and Rs 175 to Rs 190 per kg, respectively. Similarly prices of all varieties of rice and pulses remained unchanged during the week under review.

No significant change was witnessed in the fruit prices, which remained on the high side during the week under review as compared to the last week. Banana prices increased from Rs 60 per dozen to Rs 70-80 depending on quality. Guava price remained unchanged; it was being sold at Rs 50 per kg. Apple was available at Rs 120 to 150 per kg depending on quality against the price of Rs 120 to 140 per kg last week.