Rising inflation in Sunday Bazaars irks citizens

The rising inflation in Sunday Bazaars of Rawalpindi has irked incoming buyers who expect to be able to purchase vegetables and fruits at reasonable rates but face disappointment after inquiring about the rates of commodities.

Moreover, due to the absence of a formal price control system in the bazaars, vendors have independently established prices of food items, which is making it even more difficult for poor and middle-class people to afford basic food items.

Currently, ginger is being sold at Rs400 per kg, onions at Rs200 per kg, potatoes for Rs80 per kg, tomatoes for Rs120 per kg, and cabbage for Rs120 per kg in the Sunday market of Rawalpindi Committee Chowk. People coming to the Sunday Bazaar hoping to get vegetables at reasonable rates were shocked to hear that garlic was being sold for Rs600, bitter melon for Rs150, green chillies for Rs400, and peas were being sold at Rs300 per kg. Similarly, prices of fruits were also exorbitantly high such that apples were being sold at Rs150 to 300 per kg and pomegranate for Rs300 per kg.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 15^th, 2024