Prices of all vegetables registered a substantial increase on the back of the hike in petroleum products rates, said retailers. Retailers said that the prices will further increase if the government persisted with its policy of periodic fuel price revision.
Price of cabbages, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, ginger and other vegetables shot up in the city markets with retailers charging different rates in various markets across the city. Most vegetable and fruit vendors failed to display the price list issued by the Commissioner, Karachi. About 700-800 trucks dump 14,000-15,000 tons of fruit and vegetables in the main vegetable market in Karachi (New Subzi Mandi) every day.
Retailers also attributed the price increase on short supply of vegetables from interior of Sindh and Punjab. They said that recent rains had damaged road network and a substantial portion of various vegetable crops. The rate of tomatoes ranged between Rs 45 and Rs 65 per kg, onion Rs 40-Rs 50 per kg depending on size and quality, garlic (China) at Rs 100-110 per kg. garlic (local) Rs 80 per kg, brinjal Rs 65 per kg, cabbage Rs 45 per kg, cauliflower at Rs 70 per kg, green chili Rs 70-90 per kg, potato were being sold at Rs 25 per kg.
