Government's failure to regulate the prices of staple food and essential commodities has brought the wage earners to their knees.
Wheat and wheat flour prices have surged to Rs 15 to Rs 16 per kg despite the arrival of new wheat crop in the market.
The situation further aggravated as the grinding units have suspended grinding operation on the pretext of non-availability of wheat although wheat is available in the open market.
Meat and beef traders, taking the advantage of bird flu scare, have also increased mutton prices by almost 100 percent and beef prices by 40 percent The rates quoted of meat are Rs 200 per kg while quality meat costs Rs 210 per kg.
The beef of buffalo is quoted at Rs 60 per kg while cow eat is quoted at Rs 100 per kg and veal beef is at Rs 120 per kg.
The high prices of meat have led to mushroom growth of illegal slaughter houses in every densely populated area of the city, endangering public health by spreading viral and bacterial diseases by marketing meat with non-sensory characteristics.
The District and City governments announced shifting of cattle to cattle colony from the city by March 1, but till date no efforts were made to bring an end to these illegal slaughter houses operating with impunity.
Taking the advantage of high prices of meat the milk vendors have also increased milk price by Rs 2 per kg.
Vegetable prices are also maintaining high profile. According to a survey the prices of potatoes, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, turnip, peas, cauliflower cabbage etc has recorded substantial increase.