Exorbitant food prices skyrocket ahead of Eid

On the eve of Eidul Azha, the prices of vegetables essential for the preparation of dishes have increased in the markets.

Vendors are charging prices manifold higher than government-fixed prices. Although steps have been taken by the government to prevent profiteering, prices remain uncontrolled and further price hikes are expected during the upcoming Eid holidays.

The prices of tomatoes, ginger, garlic, onions, lemons, green chillies and potatoes saw an increase of one hundred percent. Meanwhile, the prices of cumin, dil sugar, turmeric, red pepper and cloves also seen an upward trajectory. In this regard, the price of tomatoes increased from Rs30 to Rs70 per kg, ginger from Rs450 to Rs800, lemon from Rs70 to Rs250, garlic from Rs150 to Rs350, green chillies from Rs80 to Rs200 and potatoes from Rs40 to Rs80 per kg.

Similarly, the price of spices have increased; the prices of cloves have risen from Rs2,800 to Rs3,000, the price of cumin from Rs2,000 to Rs2,400, the price of cinnamon has from Rs700 to Rs900 and turmeric from Rs320 to Rs480.

Due to the upcoming Eid holidays, the supply of vegetables has decreased, causing prices to increase with demand. Shopkeepers said they were procuring vegetables from the market at high prices, due to which they have to sell at higher rates in order to turn a profit or break even.

It has been reported that no plan was made by the government to control prices, a fact that drew the ire of the general public.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 29^th, 2023.