Elusive edibles: Surge in prices of commodities takes the bite out of Ramazan

Trader says price of red meat, chicken increasing due to export to Afghanistan.


Hidayat Khan July 04, 2014

PESHAWAR: Undeterred by raids conducted by the district administration which has arrested dozens of profiteers since the beginning of Ramazan, prices of essential commodities continue to soar.

“The increase in prices is due to high demand and failure to maintain a steady supply to markets,” said Sher Alam Khan, a vegetable and fruit dealer in Peshawar. He added the price of potatoes is Rs70 per kilograme, not only due to its high demand but also because of negligible yield in the province.

Snubbing allegations of hoarding of tomatoes, he said its price was likely to increase as local production was about to come to an end in the next few days.



Prices of other commodities such as sugar, meat and dairy products have also witnessed a surge. The price of a 50-kilogramme bag of sugar has gone up to Rs2,720 from Rs2,650 while the price of gram flour has increased from Rs80 to Rs100 per kg.

Red meat is available for Rs350 per kg, while the price of chicken has not registered any significant increase – from Rs180 to Rs190 per kg. However, prices may vary from shop to shop, depending on the localities.

In the open market, dates are available for Rs120 to Rs180 per kg, apples for Rs300, mangoes for Rs120, peaches for Rs240, apricots Rs180, plums Rs60 and grapes Rs200 per kg, and bananas Rs125 per dozen. Watermelons and honeydew cost Rs50 and Rs40 per kg, respectively.

The price of okra has remained stable at Rs60 per kg – the same as at the beginning of the month. Most other vegetables are also available for Rs30 to Rs40 per kg. Surprisingly, lemons, which cost Rs200 per kg at the beginning of Ramazan, are now available for Rs100.

“One reason for the increase in prices of red meat and chicken is export to Afghanistan,” said Ihtisham Halim, a trader. He urged the district administration to restrict export, warning prices could further increase.

“It is out of the government’s control to ensure a steady supply of daily-use items and maintain prices at markets,” said Sultan Khan, a customer.

Deputy Commissioner Zahirul Islam said no hoarding would be tolerated to artificially jack up prices. He added authorities are keeping a strict check to ensure prices remain under control. He said they have opened new subsidized markets at Bacha Khan Chowk, University Town and Nothia. 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 4th, 2014.

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