Eid closures trigger price hike

RAWALPINDI:

Over the past three days, the closure of wholesale markets and goods transport in Rawalpindi has triggered a severe shortage of vegetables, fruits, chicken, and other essential food items, causing prices to soar. During the four days from Chaand Raat to the third day of Eid (Monday, March 23), the closure of around 90% of wholesale and retail shops, stalls, and small vendors pushed prices to record levels.

Current rates recorded include: chicken at Rs750 per kg, fresh coriander Rs70 per bunch, lemons Rs300 per kg, tomatoes Rs350 per kg, ginger Rs500 per kg, garlic Rs450 per kg, okra Rs400 per kg, bananas Rs300 per dozen, oranges, mandarins, and sweet oranges Rs300–400 per dozen, pomegranates Rs750 per kg, grapes Rs800 per kg, and apples Rs400 per kg.

The closure of small bakeries, hotels, and grocery shops has also made access to ready-made bread difficult. Ghulam Qadir Mir, president of the Vegetable Market Traders Association, stated that no new supplies reached wholesale markets from Wednesday to Monday, forcing sellers to rely on week-old stock. Wholesale markets are expected to reopen on Tuesday, March 24, which should ease the supply and bring prices down.