Price hike intensifies ahead of Eidul Azha
Stalls are bereft of customers following calls on social media for a strike against fruit vendors to protest against the price hike. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/Express
With the failure of the price control and market committees, inflation in Rawalpindi continues to soar, further aggravated by the upcoming Eidul Azha.
The prices of essential food and household items have seen sharp increases. Flour is being sold at Rs170 per kg, sugar at Rs185 per kg, and cooking oil and ghee at Rs510520 per packet.
Pulses have also surged, with black gram at Rs600 per kg and split chickpeas at Rs360.
White chickpeas are priced at Rs400 per kg.
In the meat and poultry category, live chicken is selling for Rs425 per kg, chicken meat at Rs625, mutton at Rs2,400, beef at Rs1,400, eggs at Rs250 per dozen, milk at Rs220 per litre, and yogurt at Rs240 per kg.
Vegetables and fruits are also becoming increasingly unaffordable. Potatoes are priced at Rs80 per kg, onions at Rs90, tomatoes at Rs100, and peas at Rs200.
Despite the rising cost of living, local authorities have yet to take effective action to bring prices under control.