The prices of different essential commodities soared in the range of 10 percent to 20 percent last week, according to a survey conducted by Business Recorder in leading markets of the twin cities Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The prices of different edibles witnessed an increase of Rs 10-20 per kg as compared to last week in local markets. Raja Bazaar is the hub of trade activities, which attracts thousands of local traders and visitors.
The price of flour increased by Rs 6-10 per 20 kg bag, rice Rs 5-7 per kg, potatoes and onions Rs 20 per 5 kg. Garlic was at Rs 100 per kg, lemon Rs 120-160 per kg,, chili Rs 60 per kg, bitter gourd Rs 40 and tomatoes Rs 90 per 5 kg. There was no major change in the prices of ghee and sugar. The price of ghee were in the range of Rs 2520-2730 per 16 kg tin.
The price of Basmati rice was Rs 2200 per 40 kg bag, Karnal rice Rs 3400-3800 per 40 kg bag, Salavi rice Rs 1550-1600 per 40 kg, the prices of Dal like Mash Rs 5300, white Channa 4800, Lobia chips Rs 2600 and Moungi Rs 4850 per 40 kg. Muhammad Shoaib, a trader running business in Raja Bazaar, said about the budget that no relief has been given to masses.
He said he feared that prices of basic commodities could surge in the coming days as the prices of POL are increasing with each passing day. He said that load shedding was another factor that can increase the prices. He said that prices of flour may increase ten percentage points in the coming days. He said that another reason for increase in prices could be withdrawal of subsidy by the government.
Prices of readymade garments remained unchanged during the last few months. The children stuff ranges between Rs 100-120 per suit, which is affordable to almost every class. In the I-11 market Islamabad garlic was also being sold at Rs 100 like Rawalpindi, potatoes Rs 120-140 per 5 kg, melon Rs 80 per 5kg, banana Rs 70 kg, apple Rs 120 per kg, water melon Rs 15 per kg, onion 80-90 per kg, tomatoes Rs 15 per kg, ladyfinger Rs 30 per kg, chili Rs 40 kg, cucumber Rs 15-20 per kg while it was being sold at Rs 8 per kg during the last week, brinjal Rs 30 per kg, kaddo Rs 30 per kg, peas Rs 30 kg, bitter gourd Rs 40 per kg whereas its price was same in Rawalpindi, water melon Rs 15 per kg, teenda Rs 50 per kg and lemon Rs 80-100 per kg lowest quality while price of top class lemon was Rs 160 per kg.
The price of 20 kg flour bag increased in the range of Rs 8-12 during the last one week. Anyhow, prices of rice remained stable. The prices of ghee were Rs 2600 per 16 kg and sugar bag price was Rs 3280 per 50 kg. Zahid, a visitor, said that recent budget was just a jugglery of words and like the past, the government has given no relief to the masses. He said that prices of basic commodities in the Fruit & Vegetable market are less if compared to other local markets. He said that it has become difficult for a common man to make both ends meet in this era of price hike.
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