Soaring prices grip Pindi's open market

Coriander hits historic high of Rs80 per bunch

RAWALPINDI:

Instead of showing signs of relief, the storm of inflation in Rawalpindi's open market continues to worsen.

The district's 60 price control magistrates have failed to manage rising prices, even for green coriander, which was once given away free with vegetables.

The price of coriander has now reached an unprecedented Rs80 per bunch, the highest in the country's history.

Retail vegetable sellers have not only stopped offering it for free, but many have entirely halted its sale. At present, green coriander is available at only about half the shops in the open market.

Prices of everyday essentials remain on an upward trend. Live chicken is being sold at Rs415 per kilogram, while chicken meat is priced at Rs650 per kilogram.

Eggs now cost Rs275 per dozen. Potatoes are selling at Rs100 per kilogram, onions range between Rs60 and Rs70, and tomatoes are priced at Rs100. Colocasia (arvi) is available at Rs200 per kilogram, cucumbers at Rs80, bitter gourd at Rs170, okra at Rs200, and peas at Rs280 per kilogram.

Garlic is selling for Rs350 and ginger for Rs550 per kilogram. Cauliflower is priced at Rs150, lemons at Rs400, and green chilies at Rs150 per kilogram.

Fruits have also become increasingly expensive. Apples are being sold between Rs250 and Rs400 per kilogram, mangoes range from Rs250 to Rs300, and papaya is priced at Rs400.

Cherries are being sold at Rs450 per box, while coconuts cost Rs400 each. Jamun is available at Rs300 per kilogram, peaches at Rs300, grapes at Rs450, bananas at Rs200 per dozen, apricots at Rs300, pears at Rs200, cardamom at Rs700, and plums between Rs350 and Rs400 per kilogram. Melons are priced at Rs120 per kilogram.

Lentils and pantry staples have not been spared from the inflation surge. Mash dal is being sold at Rs550 per kilogram, chana dal at Rs350, and rice at Rs400.

Ghee and oil are priced at Rs500 per kilogram, sugar at Rs200, and white chickpeas at Rs400. Milk is selling for Rs220 per liter and yogurt for Rs240.

Meat prices remain high, with mutton being sold at Rs2,400 per kilogram and beef at Rs1,400 per kilogram.