Inflation hits locked-down Pindi

A surge in inflation has hit Rawalpindi as road closures and disrupted supply chains have halted the delivery of goods to wholesale markets, including the fruit and vegetable markets.

Prices of essential items, fruits, and vegetables have skyrocketed.

Even the so-called "Sasta bazaars" are now witnessing prices climb to record highs.

In the open market, essential commodities have become increasingly unaffordable. Chicken is now being sold at Rs700 per kilogramme, eggs at Rs344 per dozen, mutton at Rs2,300 per kilogramme, and beef at Rs1,400 per kilogramme.

Similarly, milk and yogurt are priced at Rs230 per litre and Rs240 per kilogramme, respectively. Pulses have also seen a sharp rise, with chickpeas at Rs400 per kilogramme, mash lentils at Rs550 per kilogramme, white chickpeas at Rs410 per kilogramme, and red beans at Rs420 per kilogramme.

Cooking oil and ghee are now priced at Rs550 per litre, and rice is being sold at PKR 350 per kilogramme.

Vegetables have not been spared either. Potatoes are now priced at Rs120 per kilogramme, onions at Rs150 per kilogramme, and tomatoes at Rs220 per kilogramme. Garlic and ginger are being sold at Rs680 and Rs590 per kilogramme, respectively, while green chilies are priced at Rs200 per kilogramme.

Other vegetables such as bitter gourd, cauliflower, and peas have also seen significant price hikes, with bitter gourd at Rs150 per kilogramme, cauliflower at Rs140 per kilogramme, and peas at Rs250 per kilogramme. Fruits are equally expensive. Apples are being sold at prices ranging from Rs200 to Rs350 per kilogramme, guavas at Rs200 per kilogramme, and bananas at Rs150 per dozen.

Citrus fruits like mousambi, orange, and fruiter are priced at Rs200 per dozen. Grapes have seen a steep rise, with Sundarkhani grapes being sold at Rs450 to Rs500 per kilogramme and round or toffee grapes at Rs300 to Rs350 per kilogramme. Pomegranates are also priced at Rs300 to Rs350 per kilogramme.

Despite the presence of 60 price control magistrates in the district, they have been unable to regulate or curb inflation effectively. All 20 subsidised cart bazaars across the city have turned into centres of overpricing. Moreover, the subsidised bazaars established three months ago by the Punjab government have become hubs for selling low-quality, stale vegetables and substandard essential goods, further worsening the situation.