Prices of most of the essential food items remained on high side last week as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey conducted byBusiness Recorder here on Saturday. Traders and wholesalers in different markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad said that food items, which registered substantial increase in their prices include: tomatoes which were available at Rs 90-95 per kg, potatoes at Rs 60 per kg, chicken at Rs 165 per kg, onions at Rs 75 per kg and curd were being sold at Rs 100 per kg last week as compared to the preceding week.
The survey noted that as many as 14 food and non-food items registered an increase in their prices last week as compared to the preceding week, including potatoes, tomatoes, chicken live, LPG(11 kg cylinder), milk powder, onions, curd, tea, rice(IRRI-6), milk fresh, red chilli powder loose, garlic and beef. While slight increase was also observed in some vegetables prices including green chilli which was being sold at Rs 70-80 per kg, cabbage at Rs 70-80 during the period under review.
No significant change was noted in fruits prices last week as compared to the preceding week, as bananas was being sold at Rs 80-120 per dozen, apple at Rs 100-200 per kg and grapes at Rs 350-400 per kg last week as compared to preceding week. The survey noted that majority of fruits and vegetable vendors have not displayed official rate lists issued by Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Rawalpindi Development Authority (RDA) and were busy in overcharging customers without any fear. The consumers while lodging complaints said that the vendors were violating rate lists issued by the authorities. They said that there was no check on the prices of vegetables and fruits in open market.
They have demanded of the concerned departments to take effective steps in this regard and impose fine on the vendors and shopkeepers who found in overcharging the customers. Meanwhile, price of entire range of pulses remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week, as mash washed was available at Rs 140-160 per kg, moong at Rs 130-150 per kg, masoor at Rs 120-130 per kg during last week as compared to the preceding week.
