With the beginning of Ramazan, the fresh fruits sellers and shopkeepers have increased prices of almost all varieties of fruits which are commonly used during Iftar. The skyrocketing prices of fruits in wholesale and retail markets have pushing the buyers beyond their purchasing power.
According to survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Friday, it was noticed that the prices of apples, mangoes, peaches, bananas, apricot, and dates were registered 100 percent increase in wholesale and retail markets. The customers in local market told this scribe that neither the deputy commissioner nor the price control committee employees ever come to the fruit market.
Banana is being available at Rs 100 and Rs 150 per dozen, which was selling at Rs 50-60 per dozen before the start of the holy month. Similarly, mango is being sold at Rs 150-120/kg against Rs 70/kg.
Peach is being sold at Rs 120 per kg against Rs 60 per kg. Watermelon is being available at Rs 80 to Rs 120 per piece, melon at Rs 50 per kg. The buyers complained that due to no check of prices of fruits and other essential commodities in the holy month, the prices are going up by each passing day.
Mujibur Rehman, a fruit seller at Hashtnagri market said, the quantity of fruits he used to supply to the retailers has gone up by 50 to 60 percent, despite the sky-high rates of the commodities. He blamed retailers for charging exorbitant rates of fruits from helpless consumer, which is left at the mercy of profiteers in the absence of any mechanism by the concerned department of the City District Government Peshawar to check unlawful activities of such elements.
Officials concerned of local administration here told media persons on Friday that the citizens should register their complaints against profiteers on phone number: 091-9220024. He said strict action will be taken against profiteers.