Subsidies withdrawal sends food prices through the roof
Tarin directed PBS to present a detailed variance analysis vis-a-vis weekly SPI highlighting food prices prevailing across mainstream cities and districts for real-time comparison. PHOTO: FILE
Following the withdrawal of subsidies on commodities at utility stores, the prices of different items of daily use have also soared in the market.
The prices of sugar, ghee, flour, vegetables, and pulses have gone up while the price of chicken meat has dropped drastically owing to Eidul Azha.
It was observed during a market survey that the rates of different pulses have soared by up to Rs25 per kilogramme (kg). A 10-kg flour bag is selling for Rs900 while ghee is being sold at Rs320 per kg. The price of per litre milk has jumped to Rs130 per litre while yoghurt is selling at Rs140 per kg. The price of mutton is around Rs1,300 per kg while the meat is available for Rs750 per kg.
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The price of vegetables has also increased as potatoes are selling for up to Rs50 per kg, onions are Rs45 per kg, peas are at Rs140 per kg, tomatoes Rs70 per kg while ginger is for Rs490 per kg. Garlic and lemon are selling for Rs220 and Rs90 per kg, respectively.
The Naanbai association has threatened to go on a strike if the price of flour are not lowered by Eid.
The association’s president, Shafique Qureshi, said they would increase the prices of naan and roti by Rs3 if the matter is not resolved.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2021.