Soaring prices sweep away control mechanism

The wave of inflation that began with the New Year shows no signs of subsiding, leaving price control magistrates seemingly powerless to curb the escalating costs. Even Sunday markets, traditionally seen as a relief for consumers, have been swept away by the ongoing inflation.

In the open market, live chicken is being sold at Rs450 per kilogram, with chicken meat priced at Rs700 per kilogram.

Eggs are retailing at Rs301 per dozen, while mutton has soared to Rs2,200 per kilogram and beef to Rs1,400 per kilogram.

The prices of essential commodities have also risen sharply, with chickpea lentils at Rs390 per kilogram, split black gram at Rs600 per kilogram, unpackaged milk at Rs220 per litre, yoghurt at Rs240 per kilogram, cooking oil at Rs500 per litre, and ghee at Rs490 per kilogram.

Vegetables have not been spared from the inflationary spiral, with potatoes at Rs120 per kilogram, onions at Rs170 per kilogram, and tomatoes at Rs180 per kilogram.

Garlic is being sold at Rs700 per kilogram, ginger at Rs550 per kilogram, green chillies at Rs200 per kilogram, peas at Rs150 per kilogram, taro root at Rs190 per kilogram, radishes at Rs40 per kilogram, carrots at Rs60 per kilogram, lemons at Rs120 per kilogram, bitter gourd at Rs150 per kilogram, cauliflower at Rs100 per kilogram and pumpkins at Rs140 per kilogram.

Fruit prices have also surged, with apples priced between Rs250 and Rs350 per kilogram, pomegranates between Rs350 and Rs400 per kilogram and bananas between Rs150 and Rs170 per dozen. Sweet lemons are selling for Rs200 to Rs250 per dozen, oranges for Rs500 per dozen and guavas for Rs200 per kilogram.

The unrelenting rise in prices has left citizens struggling to manage their household expenses, with no immediate relief in sight.