Fog, drought push food prices higher

There is also notable 80 per cent reduction in availability of onions in open market

RAWALPINDI:

The prices of essential commodities such as onions, chicken, eggs, and peas have reached record highs owing to the transportation crisis due to dense fog, drought, and crop damage.

Moreover, the price magistrates have failed to lower the prices in the markets. Currently, onions are being sold at Rs340 per kg, live chicken at Rs460 per kg, eggs for Rs417 per dozen, and peas for Rs300 per kg in the open market.

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On the other hand, there is also a notable 80 per cent reduction in the availability of onions in the open market, contributing to its shortage. The market faces challenges with Afghan onions as well, as they have a high water content and tend to burn quickly, making them less desirable for selling. Similarly, the decline in the supply of Iranian fruits and vegetables raises concerns about the potential for a new inflationary crisis.

Rawalpindi Poultry Association Vice President Fayyaz Abbasi has said up to 70 per cent of chicks on small poultry farms have died or become extremely ill due to harsh foggy weather conditions, which has led to the shortage of chicken supply in the market. Therefore, the chicken prices will remain high until the supply of poultry is restored, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^th, 2024.