Prices of essential commodities rise ahead of Ramazan

Consumers bemoan lack of government writ in issuing and enforcing prices according to the lists issued.

RAWALPINDI: As has now become customary, prices of essential commodities are on the rise as the days to Ramazan tick down.

Consumers have criticised the district government for not ensuring the provision of daily routine items in accordance with the approved rates lists.

Talking to APP, Amna Begum, a housewife, said "I come to the market everyday to buy edible items, but I could not buy due to their increased prices."

Under existing prices, she said it is difficult to meet the day-to-day requirements of her family in a limited budget.

In the city’s wholesale market, mash pulse wholesale rate hovers between Rs90 and Rs100 per kilogram, and at the retail end they shoot up to Rs150 to Rs 160, which customers say is not justified. During last fiscal year, the commodity was being sold at the rate of Rs 120 to 130 per kilogram in the retail market, said Tariq Khan - another consumer.

The prices of mutton has hovered between Rs550 and Rs600 per kilogram as compared to Rs480 and Rs520 in June last year. Beef with and without bones is available at Rs300- 320 and Rs380-400 per kilogram respectively. Last year, the prices ranged between Rs270-Rs280 and Rs330-Rs340 per kilogram respectively, said Imran Naizi.

He said the role of local authorities seems ineffective as the business community is openly violating the approved rate lists and charging exorbitant rates.