Inflation deflates Eid fervour

ISLAMABAD: Incessant inflation has marred the purchasing power of the working class. Visitors of weekly bazaars were seen complaining about the high prices and many said they could only afford window shopping.

In comparison to last week, the influx of visitors witnessed a drastic fall at the weekly bazaars of G-6, H-9 and I-9. A majority of the stalls were lying vacant in G-6 and the customers were lamenting the arrangements made by authorities. “If there is no difference between the prices here and other places, what is the purpose of having this weekly setup?” asked Ajmal, a visitor.

Apart from the daily commodities, special stalls which had been set up for Eid shoppers also received few costumers. However, a heavy rush was witnessed at the bangle stalls put up outside the weekly bazaars.

The main reason for their success was the price these bangles were being sold for. “Unlike other items these bangles are fairly priced in comparison to other stalls, that is why they are selling like hot cakes,” said Shaista, who was buying bangles for Eid.

Faitma, a stallholder, said that the bangles were priced between Rs20 to 50, while the same item was being sold for up to Rs200 in the open market. “We are selling at a very small profit, we want to share the joys of Eid with everyone,” she said.

A stallholder inside the bazaar, Akhtar, was selling the same bangles for up to Rs150 and lamented the lack of business. “Women and girls just skim through the items and leave without buying anything,” he said.

Akhtar, however, conceded that the high priced commodities had really affected the ability of the working class to celebrate Eid. “Most of the people are just roaming around the place to look for stalls which might offer cheaper rates. The prices have shot up and their ability to purchase has deteriorated,” he acceded.

Athar Hasan, a professor said that everyone was equally disturbed by the rampant price hike. He recalled that in the past, things had not been as difficult but this time he was unsure whether he would be left with any money for Eid day itself. “For people who earn Rs30000-40000 monthly it is becoming difficult to meet expenses,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2010.