Essentials' prices show mixed trend

TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: The prices of essential kitchen items have shown mixed trend during the current week compared to last week, a survey carried out by Business Recorder revealed.

Traders at Rawalpindi/ Islamabad wholesale and retail markets revealed that prices of most of the essential kitchen items especially much use on Eid-ul-Azha including onions, tomatoes, spices, green tea, yogurt, milk and fruits increased substantially during the last week, however, considerable decline observed in the prices of the items.

Similarly, prices of vegetables and fruits registered mixed trend in the week under review as compared to the previous week. During the current week prices of some of the food items registered downward trend, including sugar, which decreased by Rs 1 per kg as compared to previous week. However, it is still being sold at Rs 70 to Rs 75 per kg against the original price of Rs 66 in the retail market.

The survey further noted that vegetables and pulses prices registered mixed trend as rates of some vegetables decreased, while others increased. Tomatoes and onions were available at Rs 70 and Rs 50 per kg against Rs 120 and Rs 60 last week. Price of green chilies decreased by Rs 10 per kg and is being sold at Rs 100 to 110 per kg against Rs 120 per kg last week. Cauliflower is being sold at Rs 50 per kg against Rs 45 per kg last week. Okra is being sold at Rs 75 to 80 against Rs 70 per kg last week. Potato price decreased by Rs 5 per kg and is being sold at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 45 per kg; cabbage price registered a decrease of Rs 3-5 per kg and is available at Rs 33-35 per kg against Rs 38 last week.

Moreover, chicken meat was available at Rs 110 per kg last week, but now being sold at Rs 120 per kg, while live chicken price increased by Rs 10 per kg. Live chicken was being sold at Rs 140 per kg last week, which is now available at Rs 150 per kg. During the week price of, dal mash, red beans and dal channa remained unchanged.

Similarly, all varieties of haldi, clove, ilaichi and dal chana registered an increase of Rs 50 to Rs 100 per kg last week due to high demand on Eid-ul-Azha. However prices of the items decreased by Rs 20 to Rs 30 per kg.

The survey further noted that prices of most of the fruits decreased during the week under review as compared to the previous week. Apples were available at Rs 110-120 per kg depending on quality against Rs 140-150 per last week. Banana was available at Rs 50 per dozen against Rs 60 per dozen and grapes at Rs 220 against Rs 250 per kg during the week under review as compared to the previous week.