Prices of essential food commodities, including vegetable, pulses, fruits, sugar, flour and other have risen sharply in local market, according to a survey carried out by Business Recorder here on Sunday.
Almost hundred to two hundred per cent increase in the prices of vegetable, grocery items, fruits, and other commodities mocks local administrationâ€(tm)s claims of controlling profiteering, as shopkeepers continued to charge masses with exorbitant rates in the provincial capital.
“Is anyone there to see food price hike,†says a consumer while purchasing tomato in local market. No respite for poverty stricken masses as prices have touched new peak in local market, another buyer said.
The vegetable merchants and vendors say the prices have increased due to hike in fuel prices and low supply against the demand in local market.
The survey noticed that price of tomatoes has doubled in local market as available at Rs160-170 per kg in local market, which was selling at Rs80 per kg in the previous week.
Similarly, price of ginger has become costlier which is being sold at Rs400-500 per kg in local market. Likewise, prices of garlic are also dearer which is being available at Rs300-400 per kg.
It was noticed that price of green chili has also touched new heights as available at Rs250-300 per kg. Lemon is being sold at Rs100 per kg. Cucumber is being sold at Rs60-70 per kg.
A considerable increase was witnessed in prices of other veggies in retail market. For instance, peas are being sold at Rs250-300 per kg, capsicum at Rs250 per kg, bitter groud (karela) at Rs150 per kg, Arvi at Rs120 per kg. Cabbage was available at Rs60 per kg, cauliflower at Rs70 per kg.
Apple, long and round gourds are being sold within range of Rs70-80 and Rs90 per kg. Bringle is being sold at Rs50-60 per kg. Ladyfinger is being sold at Rs100 and Rs120 [per kg] in local market. Red potato is being available at Rs70-80 per kg, while others are being sold within range of Rs40-50 per kg in retail market.
Turnip is being sold at Rs50-60 per kg. A bundle of Radish is being sold at Rs30, while carrots are being sold at Rs30 and Rs40 per kg.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2019