The prices of fruits and vegetables have increased considerably after Eid-ul-Fitr in Multan, creating further problems for citizens already experiencing inflation. The price of cabbages, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, ginger and other vegetables have gone up in the city markets, with wholesalers and retailers charging consumers different prices.
These prices are decided by the wholesalers and retailers themselves, with no regulating body to keep them in check.
During a survey of some vegetables shops, it was found that onions were being sold at Rs 50-60 per kilogramme, potatoes for Rs 40-50 per kilogramme, tomatoes for Rs 70-80 per kilogramme, ginger for Rs 200-250 per kilogramme, cabbages for Rs 90-100 per kilogramme, ladyfingers for Rs 130-150 per kilogramme and green chilli for Rs 150-180 per kilogramme.
Most vegetable retailers did not display a government rate list and those who did, refused to implement the rates, instead charging the citizens with prices, usually higher, of their own. Rabia Khan, a housewife, said that it had become very difficult for her to cook because of the high prices of vegetables, which are a common food item in everyday cooking. She said that during the month of Ramazan, the government managed to control the prices of the vegetables somewhat, adding that during and after Eid no such control was to be seen. She said that the government had a mechanism but that its implementation was very rare. Gullu, a vegetable retailer of Gulgasht area, said that he could not sell vegetables at rates fixed by the government as he was buying these items at increased rates from the vegetable market, adding that the government should establish its writ in the vegetable market in order to control prices.
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