Markets’ closure causes price surge

The prices of fruits, vegetables and grains skyrocketed in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad due to the closure of major markets during the Eidul Azha holidays. However, with the markets set to reopen Thursday [today], there is a possibility of prices dropping.

During the Eid holidays, vegetables were sold at exorbitant prices, with a small bunch of fresh coriander selling for Rs80, lemons for Rs1,000, tomatoes for Rs300, potatoes for Rs130, onions for Rs140, green chillies for Rs300, peas for Rs200, capsicum for Rs250, garlic for Rs800, and ginger for Rs1,000 per kilogramme.

Fruit prices were similarly inflated, with bananas selling for Rs220 per dozen, mangoes for Rs250-300, apricots for Rs300, cherries for Rs500, watermelon for Rs60 and melon for Rs300 per kilogramme.

Grain and staple prices also saw a significant increase. The price of gram lentils was Rs350, white chickpeas Rs400, rice Rs410 per kilogramme and oil Rs490 per litre. Additionally, the prices of all types of cold drinks increased by Rs20.

With 60 price control magistrates in the Rawalpindi district on Eid holidays, shopkeepers and hawkers were given a free hand to charge exorbitant prices.