Prices continue to be on upward trajectory

The relentless wave of inflation in the open market shows no signs of abating, with the recent hike in petroleum prices likely to further drive up transportation costs and commodity rates.

The district market committee has come under criticism for allegedly issuing reports with artificially lower prices for food, beverages, and essential commodities, failing to reflect the reality faced by consumers.

In the open market, prices remain steep as live chicken is being sold at Rs650 per kg, broiler eggs at Rs351 per dozen, golden brown eggs at Rs450 per dozen, and desi eggs at Rs800 per dozen.

Milk is priced at Rs220 per litre, ghee at Rs550 per kg, and edible oil at Rs560 per litre.

Prices of pulses and meat have also surged, with white gram at Rs430 per kg, black gram at Rs400 per kg, black lentils at Rs580 per kg, mutton at Rs2,400 per kg, and beef at Rs1,400 per kg.

Vegetables and fruits are equally expensive.

Potatoes cost Rs150 per kg, onions Rs170 per kg, tomatoes Rs180 per kg, garlic Rs600 per kg, and ginger Rs580 per kg. Green chillies are priced at Rs200 per kg, green coriander at Rs50 per kg, and peas at Rs250 per kg. Prices for karela, cucumber, radish, carrot, and cabbage range from Rs70 to Rs200 per kg.

Fruit prices have also spiked, with apples selling for Rs250 to Rs350 per kg, bananas for Rs120 to Rs150 per dozen, fruiter for Rs200 per dozen, pomegranates for Rs300 per kg, and grapes at Rs300 to Rs500 per kg. Guava is being sold at Rs180 per kg.

As consumers struggle with these rising costs, the inflationary trend continues to burden households across the region.