Prices of perishables surge

Consumers face overcharging in markets across city

Prices of perishable goods continued to rise sharply this week across the city's markets, accompanied by widespread overcharging as vendors defied government-issued rate lists.

Despite prominently displaying official price lists at shops and carts, most sellers charged significantly higher rates.

The price of live chicken increased by Rs25 per kilogram, officially fixed between Rs379 and Rs393. However, live chickens were rarely available, while chicken meat was sold at Rs560 to Rs650 per kg, and boneless chicken at Rs900 to Rs1,000 per kg.

Potato prices also reflected a wide disparity. The official rate for A-grade soft-skin potatoes was reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs40-45, yet they were sold at Rs80-100 per kg. B-grade potatoes were listed at Rs37-40 per kg and C-grade at Rs32-35, while mixed qualities were sold between Rs50 and Rs70.

Onions and tomatoes remained officially unchanged, with A-grade varieties priced at Rs35-40 per kg. Despite this, onions were sold at Rs80-100 per kg and tomatoes at Rs100-120 per kg in the markets. B- and C-grade varieties were also priced significantly above official rates.

Garlic and ginger prices saw substantial hikes. Local garlic increased by Rs30 per kg, officially fixed at Rs182-190 but sold between Rs200 and Rs300. Chinese garlic rose by Rs5 per kg to Rs334-350 but fetched Rs500 in the market. Harnai garlic rose by Rs30 per kg, fixed at Rs248--260 and sold at Rs400. Ginger, both Thai and Chinese, surged by Rs230 per kg, fixed at Rs620-650 and sold between Rs800 and Rs1,000.

Other vegetables such as cauliflower, lady finger and arum were also sold far above listed rates.

Among fruits, banana prices decreased officially, but still sold far above set rates. A-category bananas were fixed at Rs188-210 per dozen and sold at Rs300-350. Guavas rose by Rs10 to Rs120-170 per kg and were sold at Rs250-300. Papayas gained Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs257-270, but sold at Rs300--350.

Melons increased by Rs15 to Rs55-95 per kg, yet were sold at Rs130-150. Watermelons were officially reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs33-35 but sold at Rs40-80. Lokat was reduced by Rs35 per kg to Rs124-130, but sold at Rs150-200. Peaches were reduced by Rs25 to Rs115-185 per kg, but sold at Rs150-300.