Cheap Ramazan bazaars project shelved

While the prices of essential commodities and grocery items have reached a historic level and shattered the purchasing power of consumers, the Rawalpindi district administration has abandoned the successful execution of subsidised rates and cheap Ramazan bazaars during the holy month.

The District Market Committee has refused to set up cheap Ramazan bazaars after the provincial government avoided providing subsidies for vegetables, fruits, chicken, meat and iftaar items. At least 16 cheap Ramazan bazaars and 27 cheap vendor bazaars have been abolished.

The Punjab Livestock Department’s announcement of giving beef and mutton at discounted rates has also turned out to be a drama.

Even cheap chicken stalls could not be set up so far in the city markets. Around 100 price control magistrates of the district are still present in their offices and have yet to check and control rising prices.

The prices of all iftar items have also been increased by 50 to 60%. In the open market, potatoes are being sold at Rs90 per kg, onions Rs400 per kg, garlic Rs750 per kg, ginger is Rs900 per kg, chicken meat at Rs450 per kg, beef Rs1,200 per kg, mutton meat Rs2,200 per kg, and dates Rs750 to Rs850 per kg.

The livestock department officials claim that the department is unable to sell subsidised beef because of no funds and the absence of cattle at its disposal.

Due to the devastating inflation, citizens who buy five kilos of iftar items every Ramazan have to buy one kilo and those who buy one kilo of items now buy a quarter of every item.

All vegetables and fruits have become almost out of reach of the consumers. In open wholesale and retail markets and Sunday bazaars, live chicken is being sold at Rs510 per kg, red beans Rs510 per kg, lentil gram Rs300 per kg, high-quality rice Rs450 per kg, ghee Rs480 per kg, oil Rs490 per kg, sugar Rs160 per kg, besan Rs320 per kg, bitter gourd Rs350, green coriander Rs80 per kg, tomatoes Rs200 per kg, Lemon China Rs200 per kg, green chilli Rs300 per kg, cabbage Rs100 per kg, peas Rs200 per kg, and eggplant Rs130 per kg.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 11^th, 2024.