Prices of essential kitchen items soar

TAHIR AMIN

ISLAMABAD: Prices of most of the essential kitchen items increased last week, as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday.

Traders and wholesalers in different markets of the twin cities Rawalpindi/Islamabad said that manufactures as well as wholesalers have started increasing prices of essential kitchen items relating especially to Ramazan.  They further said that profiteers and hoarders had become active and started stocking of different food items which were mostly used during Ramazan.

Survey noted that basin was available at Rs 85-100 per kg in different markets of the twin cities. Similarly, pickle (Achar) was available at Rs 60 to Rs 100 per 250g. Red chilli powder was available at Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kg. Similarly, different spices prices also started increasing as Ramazan is fast approaching. Vegetables and fruits prices registered a mix trend.

Survey revealed that chicken was available at Rs 165 per kg during the week under review against its previous price of Rs 160 per kg. Wheat flour price remained unchanged and available at Rs 680 per 20 kg. No change was observed in rice, ghee/cocking oil, sugar, pulses, open and packed milk last week as compared to the preceding week. Ghee/cooking oil were available at Rs 185 to Rs 210 per kg/litre depending on quality.

Sugar was available at Rs 57-58 per kg in different markets, while the prices of pulses remained unchanged as Maash was available at Rs 155-160 per kg, Moong at Rs 120 per kg, Masoor at Rs 125 per kg, Chanaa at Rs 100 and Lobia at Rs 100 per kg. Rice prices remained unchanged during the week past as broken rice was available at Rs 75 per kg, Basmati depending on quality was available at Rs 100-120 per kg while super carnel was available at Rs 125 per kg.

Vegetables prices witnessed a slight increase last week as compared to the preceding week. Tomato prices increased from Rs 20 per kg to Rs 22 per kg, potato prices increased from Rs 22 to Rs 25 per kg, onion prices remained unchanged at Rs 25, cucumber price increased, as it was available at Rs 30 per kg against Rs 25 per kg last week. Carrot was available at Rs 40 per kg, Karela was available at Rs 40 against, ladyfinger at Rs 40, Shimla Mirch at Rs 80 per kg, Arvi at Rs 50 per kg sans any significant changes in their prices.

Fruit prices showed mix trend as some prices were declined while other were increased last week. Mango was available at Rs 50-70 per kg against Rs 60-80 per kg; melon was available at Rs 15-20 per kg against Rs 20-25 per kg and water melon at Rs 15-20 per kg without significant change last week as compared to the preceding week.

Plum was available at Rs 60 to Rs 100 per kg against previous price of Rs 80-120 per kg. Apple prices remained un-change during the week past. Dark red and golden apple was available at Rs 170 to Rs 220 per kg depending on quality. Indian banana was available at Rs 170 to Rs 180 against Rs 180-200 per dozen. Pakistani banana was available at Rs 80 to Rs 100 per dozen without any significant change last week as compared to the preceding week.