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No respite for the poor, as fruits and other essential commodities have becoming highly expensive during the Ramazan but the government showing least interest in monitoring the prices.
A survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed that with the advent of second Ashra of Ramazan the prices of fruits have increased with Banana going up to Rs 100 per dozen, Guava Rs 60 to Rs 120 per kg. The prices of grapes have increased during the week from Rs 120 per kg to Rs 140 or 160 per kg.
Similarly the price of apple has been increased from Rs 70 per kg to Rs 100 per kg. The price of peach has increased during the week from Rs 80 per kg to Rs 100 per kg. However, the government has so far succeeded in its efforts to ensure smooth supply of flour and other commodities at affordable prices at its various outlets, whereas in the open market the prices of these commodities varied from shop to shop.
At government stores, the price of super basmati rice Rs 110 per kg, Basin Rs 59 showing stability in the prices. Though the administration has constituted 14 teams headed by magistrates to ensure the smooth supply of essential commodities at affordable prices, the consumers complained of massive increase in the prices during the Ramazan saying that fruits prices have almost doubled.
With the advent of second Ashra, the prices of certain food items have declined particularly the vegetables. The price of ladyfinger has been dropped to Rs 25 per kg from Rs 40 per kg. The prices of potato were Rs 160 per 5 kg which is now Rs 130 per 5kg.
The prices of ginger was Rs 80 per kg but now it is Rs 72 per kg. The government should keep strict check on prices of edibles as the people are already inflation-stricken and are unable to bear any further burden. Recently, Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has launched crackdown against the illegal profiteers to curb this tendency during Holy month of Ramazan and imposed penalty of Rs 270,000 on 500 profiteers.
Over 40 profiteers were also arrested for selling edibles at the higher rates. The administration has fixed the prices of certain kitchen items including fruits and vegetables and instructed the shopkeepers to display rate lists. But all these measures seem to have failed to curb profiteering.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2008

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