Prices continue to soar in open market

A relentless wave of inflation continues to batter the twin cities, with bakery and sweet shops joining the trend by hiking prices.

Essential vegetables and groceries are now being sold at exorbitant prices — live chicken at Rs415/kg, chicken meat at Rs650/kg, eggs Rs280/dozen, milk Rs220/litre, and mutton Rs2,500/kg.

Fruits and vegetables, including coriander, which was once free with vegetables, now cost Rs80 per bundle.

Markets have become hubs of substandard produce while price control officers and assistant commissioners appear helpless in enforcing the official price list.

The Punjab government's crackdown on overpriced sugar has shown immediate results as sugar is now available at the official rate of Rs173/kg in Rawalpindi markets. Rate cards featuring Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's photo have been displayed at all shops.

Following the crackdown, fines worth Rs318,000 were imposed within 24 hours.

Two FIRs were registered, eight buildings sealed, and 10 people arrested. A total of 150 challans were issued, with 43 violators identified.

Shopkeepers claim that the sugar is supplied to them at Rs165/kg ex-mill price, but only two sacks (100kg) per national ID card are available to tax filers. Traders demand easier access and removal of the tax-filer condition to meet market demand.

The impact of rising fuel prices, transportation costs, and new heavy taxes has caused a sharp surge in prices of food, fruits, vegetables, pulses, meat, bakery items, and flour in open markets and wholesale bazaars.