Food items being sold at subsidised rates, says DCO. PHOTO: APP
A visit to different markets in Raja Bazaar, Saddar, Adiala Road, and Chakri Road revealed that the prices of essential food items -- high in demand -- during Ramazan have seen a surge.
On first day of Ramazan, the price of one kilogramme (kg) of chicken in open market has increased from Rs165 to Rs180. The price of mutton has gone up from Rs700 to Rs800, and from Rs380 to Rs450 for beef.
The per kg price of lemon has been raised from Rs240 to Rs320, tomato from Rs15 to Rs34, onion from Rs20 to Rs30, garlic from Rs100 to Rs150, and potato from Rs20 to Rs30.
As far as the prices of fruits are concerned, price of banana has gone up from Rs200 to Rs240 per dozen, apple from Rs200 to Rs240 per kg, and mango from Rs80 to Rs130 per kg.
The price of yogurt has been increased from Rs100 to Rs120 per kg. The price of cucumber has been raised from Rs20 to Rs60 kg.
“I cannot understand why the prices get higher in Ramazan. The prices need to go down during the holy month. I purchased many things today from the market at 22 No Chungi near CMH and found that the prices have increased many times,” said Akhtar Mahmood, a local.
“The prices have increased because the prices at the fruit and vegetable market have gone up soon after the start of Ramazan,” said Amin Khan, a fruit vendor at 22 No Chungi.
On the other hand, District Coordination Officer (DCO) Talat Mahmood Gondal told the media that the district government had directed price control magistrates to take legal action against overcharging shopkeepers.
The DCO said the district government had set up 16 Ramazan bazaars in the city.
He noted that necessary commodities were being provided at controlled and subsidised rates in the bazaars.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 8th, 2016.
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