Essentials remain out of public reach

RAWALPINDI:

With inflation continuing to surge, the government appears completely helpless and ineffective in the face of skyrocketing prices in open markets.

Since May 2, the prices of vegetables, fruits, grocery items, bakery products and other essential food commodities have increased further, putting them beyond the purchasing power of the public. The district administration has also been termed ineffective, with its actions largely limited to imposing heavy fines on small shopkeepers and vendors while merely raising slogans.

According to market rates, milk is being sold at Rs250 per litre, yoghurt at Rs280 per kilogramme and eggs at Rs250 per dozen.

Mutton (small meat) is priced at Rs2,700 per kilogramme, while beef (large meat) is being sold at Rs1,500 per kilogramme.

Among pulses and staples, white chickpeas are available at Rs410 per kilogramme, red beans at Rs500, quality rice at Rs380, sugar at Rs160, flour at Rs170 per kilogramme, gram pulse at Rs370, and mash pulse at Rs600 per kilogramme.