ISLAMABAD: Prices of most of the essential kitchen items remained stable with slight increase in fruit prices 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 and Islamabad told that slight increase was observed in fruit prices last week as compared to the preceding week as mango was available at Rs 100-140 per kg, watermelon at Rs 35-46 per kg, melon at Rs 65 per kg, banana was available at Rs 110-130 per dozen, golden apple at Rs 200 per kg while other at Rs 100-120 per kg last week as compared to the preceding week.

They maintained that prices of most of the non-perishable food items remained unchanged last week as compared to the preceding week, as a tin of cooking oil (2.5 litres) was available at Rs 545, vegetable ghee (2.5 kg) at Rs 505, vegetable ghee (loose) was available at Rs 160-165 per kg, while wheat flour bag (10KG) was being sold at Rs 355-365 and fresh milk was being sold at Rs 85 per litre.

No significant increase was noted in vegetables prices last week as compared to the preceding week as tomatoes were being sold at Rs 70 per kg, onions at Rs 60 per kg, potatoes at Rs 40 per kg, karela was available at Rs 80-90 per kg, garlic at Rs 205 per kg, lemon at Rs 205 per kg, ladyfinger was being sold at Rs 90-100 per kg, Kheera at Rs 40 per kg and green chilli at Rs 40 per kg.

The survey noted that meat prices remained unchanged last week as compared to the preceding week, as mutton was available at Rs 580-600 per kg, beef was being sold at Rs 280-290 per kg while live chicken was available at Rs 120-127 per kg against and eggs were being sold at Rs 76 per dozen.

Meanwhile, prices of entire range of pulses also remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week, as Masoor washed was available at Rs 110-120 , Moong washed at Rs 125-140 per kg and mash washed at Rs 150-160 per kg. Basmati rice broken was being sold at Rs 80-85 per kg, while colonel rice was available at Rs 125-130 per kg last week as compared to the preceding week.