Significant increase was noted in the prices of most of the perishable and non-perishable food items last week as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday. Traders in different markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad told Business Recorderthat prices of onion, tomatoes and chicken witnessed increase in the last week as compared to the preceding week.
The survey noted considerable increase in vegetables prices last week as compared to the preceding week as tomatoes were being sold at Rs 70 per kg against Rs 60 in the week past, registering an increase of Rs 10 per kg, onions at Rs 65 against Rs 60 last week, reflecting an increase of Rs 5 per kg, potatoes at Rs 40 per kg against Rs 30 per kg week past price, registering an increase of Rs 10 per kg.
During the week under review karela was available at Rs 85 per kg, garlic at Rs 205 per kg, lemon at Rs 200 per kg and ginger at Rs 240 per kg. The survey also noted that last week live chicken was available at Rs 130 per kg, while chicken meat was available at Rs 220 per kg, which this week are being sold at Rs 138 per kg and Rs 230 per kg respectively. Meanwhile, mutton and beef were available at Rs 580-597 per kg and Rs 280-290 per kg.
During the week under review, the fruit prices remained stable as apples were being sold at Rs 125 kg, guava at Rs 70 per kg, melon at Rs 60 per kg, watermelon at Rs 30-40 per kg and strawberry at Rs 200-250 per kg. Prices of entire range of pluses also remained stable last week as compared to the preceding week, as Masoor washed was available at Rs 110-115, Moong washed at Rs 125-140 per kg and mash washed at Rs 150-160 per kg.
Basmati rice broken was being sold at Rs 80-85 per kg while colonel rice was available at Rs 130 per kg last week as compared to the preceding week. Meanwhile, a tin of cooking oil (2.5 litres) was available at Rs 535, vegetable ghee (2.5 kg) at Rs 505, vegetable ghee (loose) was available at Rs 160-165 per kg last, 20 kg wheat flour bag was available at Rs 670-700 and fresh milk was being sold at Rs 75-80 per litre last week as compared to the preceding week.