Ashura holidays cause price surge

Over 50% of fruit, vegetable shops and carts were closed during these days

RAWALPINDI:

Due to Ashura holidays and the closure of wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, prices of basic food items surged across Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Coriander, which was previously offered free alongside vegetable purchases, was sold in small bundles for Rs80. Lemons reached Rs800 per kilogram, potatoes Rs100, ginger Rs900, sugar Rs200, and jamun fruit Rs500 per kilogram.

On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, wholesale fruit and vegetable markets remained entirely closed. As a result, no fresh produce was brought into the twin cities, giving street vendors and retailers the opportunity to profit significantly.

More than 50 per cent of fruit and vegetable shops and carts were closed during these days. Those that remained open mostly lacked coriander. Vendors who had coriander sold it for Rs50, Rs80, or even Rs100, making substantial profits.

Due to the demand from Ashura drink stalls, sugar was sold at Rs200 per kilogram instead of the usual Rs190.

Milk packet prices also saw a markup of Rs20 above the printed rate. Tent rental shops also cashed in, renting water tubs for Rs300, jugs for Rs120, and glasses for Rs100 for five-hour periods.