Prices of the essential kitchen items witnessed another increase during this week past as compared to preceding week, a survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed here on Saturday. The survey observed that just before two weeks of the arrival of Ramazan, the producers have increased the prices of entire range of soft drinks as Pepsi Cola increased Rs 40 per carton of 6 bottles, Coca Cola Rs 60 per carton of 6 bottles and sugar price went up from Rs 3,020 to Rs 3,260 per 50kg bag.
The traders in the wholesale and retail markets told Business Recorder that there are many factors behind the increase in prices of commodities, but it is mainly because of increase in price of High Speed Diesel, which is used for transportation, electricity and gas tariff, as well as depreciation Pak rupee against the US dollar. The survey observed that during the week under review, prices of eggs, chicken, chicken meat, beef, mutton, vegetables and fruits also witnessed an increase. Eggs' price went up from Rs 75 to Rs 80 per dozen which in the retail market are being sold at Rs 90 per dozen; chicken price jumped up from Rs 5,700 to Rs 6,500 per 40kg which is being sold at Rs 190 per kg against Rs 170 per kg in the retail market; chicken meat price jumped up from Rs 300 to Rs 340 per kg; beef price increased from Rs 440 to Rs 480 per kg; and mutton price increased from Rs 950 to Rs 1,000 per kg.
Onions price went up from Rs 230 to Rs 250 per 5kg which were being sold at Rs 65 against Rs 60 per kg in the retail market; potatoes price remained stable at Rs 90-100 per 5kg which were being sold at Rs 25-30 per kg in the retail market; and tomatoes price went down from Rs 500 to Rs 300 per 5kg which were being sold at Rs 75 against Rs 120 per kg in the retail market.
Local garlic price went down from Rs 800 to Rs 500 per 5kg, which was being sold at Rs 150 per kg against Rs 220 per kg in the retail market; and Chinese garlic price remained stable at Rs 1,000 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 250 per kg in the retail market. Local ginger price went further up from Rs 950 to Rs 1,000 per 5kg, which was being sold at Rs 250 per kg against Rs 235 per kg in the retail market.
Capsicum price went down from Rs 450 to Rs 300 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 110 per kg in the retail market; yam (arvi) price went up from Rs 300 to Rs 400 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 90 against Rs 75 per kg in the retail market; Chinese carrot price remained stable at Rs 250 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 60 per kg in the retail market; radish price went up from Rs 130 to Rs 150 per 8 kg pack which was being sold at Rs 30 against Rs 25 per kg in the retail market; and peas price went up from Rs 275 to Rs 350 per 5kg which were being sold at Rs 90-95 against Rs 75 per kg in the retail market.
Cucumber price remained stable at Rs 200 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 60 per kg in the retail market; cauliflower price went up from 250 to Rs 250 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 65 per kg against Rs 60 per kg in the retail market; and cabbage price went up from Rs 150 to Rs 175 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 50 against Rs 45 per kg in the retail market.
Okra price witnessed no change and the commodity was available at Rs 750 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 180-190 per kg in the retail market; brinjal price went up from Rs 250 to Rs 300 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 75 per kg in the retail market; and ridge gourd (tori) price went down from Rs 550 per 5 kg to Rs 450 per 5 kg which in retail market was being sold at Rs 110 per kg against Rs 140 per kg. Pumpkin price remained unchanged at Rs 400 per 5kg which was being sold at Rs 100 per kg, tinda price also remained unchanged at Rs 400 per 5kg which in retail market was being sold at Rs 100-120 per kg and beans price remained unchanged at Rs 450 per 5 kg which in retail were being sold at Rs 110-120 per kg.