Prices of most of the essential kitchen items remained on high side in retail markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad last week, reveals a survey conducted by Business Recorder on Saturday. Consumers' complained that city administrations have failed to rein in prices in the retail markets, as the prices were not uniform in various markets of the twin cities.
They added that a person could buy food items from vegetable market on low prices, if he is living near the market, while the rest have to purchase food items from the retail markets, where they are being fleeced with both hands. Retailers in different markets of the twin cities are still selling food items, including perishable and non-perishable items on exorbitant rates despite considerable reduction in petroleum products price, which is proportional to the price hike, as transportation cost is considered as a major factor in increase of prices.
Besides, transporters plying public transport between the twin cities are still charging fares on old fare list as they have not received new list from the concerned authorities despite considerable reduction in petroleum products prices. The survey noted that tomatoes, onions, potatoes, green chili and other fresh vegetables were available on low rates in the vegetable market; however, these items were being sold with 20 to 25 percent higher prices by the retailers.
During the period under review, tomatoes were available at Rs 50-55 per kg in retail market, however it was being sold at Rs 35-40 per kg, onions were being sold at Rs 45-50 per kg by retailers, while they were being sold at Rs 35 per kg in wholesale market, potatoes were available at Rs 75-80 per kg in retail market, while in whole sale market it was being sold at Rs 65-70 per kg and green chili was being sold at Rs 40-50 per kg in vegetable market, while it was being sold at Rs 70-75 per kg in retail market.
The survey also noted slight increase in chicken, eggs and pulses prices as chicken live was being sold at Rs 140 per kg against Rs 130-135 per kg last week price, registering an increase of Rs 5-10 per kg, eggs per dozen were being sold at Rs 110 against Rs 105 per dozen week past price, registering an increase of Rs 5 per dozen, mutton was being sold at Rs 620 -650 per kg, beef at Rs 380 -420 per kg. Slight increase was also witnessed in pulse mash price as it was being sold at Rs 161-163 against Rs 160 per kg week past price, cooking oil tin (2.5 liter) at Rs 536, vegetable ghee tin 2.5 kg was being sold at Rs 510, vegetable gee loose at Rs 158-160 per kg and sugar at Rs 55-57 per kg. Prices of fresh vegetables also remained on high side in retail market, as pumpkin was being sold at Rs 50-55 per kg, cabbage at Rs 65-70 per kg, shimla mirch was being sold at Rs 80-90 per kg and cucumber at Rs 80 per kg.
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