Dry fruit prices skyrocket across twin cities

ISLAMABAD:

With the onset of winter, prices of dry fruits have surged sharply across Rawalpindi, Islamabad, and adjoining areas.

Residents complain that shopkeepers are charging arbitrary prices in the absence of effective monitoring by district price control committees.

Citizens Shakil Sheikh, Zahid Khan, and Rizwan Ahmed Abbasi said profiteers raise prices ahead of winter as demand rises, especially in hilly areas.

Many dry fruits are reportedly smuggled from Iran and Afghanistan.

Currently, peanuts are being sold at Rs450-650 per kg, pine nuts Rs7,000-14,000, almonds Rs3,000-4,000, cashews Rs3,000-4,000, walnuts Rs800-2,000, pistachios Rs3,000-4,000, raisins Rs700-1,000, and sesame sweets at Rs600-800 per kg.

They also noted that most shops display no official rate lists, and traders — mostly Pashtuns — charge prices of their own choosing.

In Rawalpindi, major dry fruit markets are located in Narnkari Bazaar, Canning Road, Bank Road, and Kashmir Road, while in Islamabad, key outlets operate in Aabpara, Jinnah Super, Super Market, F-10, Bara Kahu, and PWD.

Consumers complain that low-quality dry fruits are being sold at premium prices.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Dry Fruit Merchants Association said global demand for dry fruits stands at around 1.05 million tons annually, while Pakistan exports only 10,000 tons, earning $100 million in foreign exchange.