Ramazan-related consumable items: KCCI urges govt to check rising prices

N H ZUBERI

KARACHI: Senior Vice President of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Younis Bashir on Saturday expressed dismay over 25 percent increase in prices of items consumed during Ramazan.

He urged the government to take appropriate measures to control price hike and take strict action against hoarders.

He said everywhere in the world on the occasion of religious events prices of goods are brought down while in our country it is just the reverse where profiteers and hoarders try to squeeze consumers and make maximum profit during Ramazan.

Hoarders and retailers push up prices of certain food items before and during Ramazan is not a new phenomenon for consumers in Pakistan.

Unscrupulous hoarders and retailers are coming up with the excuse of short supply of eatables from upcountry, heavy rains in Punjab and northern areas , devastated roads, rising transport cost and poor law and order situation.

The government initiatives have almost failed to make any impact on the local markets and before Ramazan prices of essential commodities have gone up significantly all over the country.

Prices of sugar, ghee, oil, chicken, fruits and vegetables have started increasing constantly.

Dates are available from Rs 150 Rs to Rs 200 per half kg, while chicken is selling at around Rs 240-260.

Besan is available around Rs 70 to 80 per kilo. Yogurt is selling at Rs 96 per kg. Mango of different verities is available at Rs 65 per kg to Rs 120 per kg; banana Rs 70 per dozen, watermelon Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg and grapes Rs 150 per kg. Prices of tomato kept on increasing and now it is available at Rs 20 to Rs 25 per kg, garlic Rs 150 per kg, onion Rs 30 to 35 per kg, potato Rs 25 to Rs 30 per kg and lemon Rs 150 to Rs 180 per kg.