Following persistent bird flu crisis, the prices of pulses as well as mutton and beef have registered increase, putting more burden on consumers without any check by the authorities concerned.
The wholesalers attributed the increase in pulses to market principle of demand and supply. However, some retailers blamed the wholesalers for overcharging in pulses. They claimed that the wholesalers have sufficient stocks of pulses but they are charging high prices in the wholesale market on the plea of shortage of stuff.
A price survey (from April 1 to May 1) showed that retailers are charging Rs 36 per kg for gram pulse as compared to last month's Rs 27. Dal mash, which was sold at Rs 32 per kg last month, is now priced at Rs 66 per kg. Dal moong, which was sold at Rs 35 last month, is now priced at Rs 60 per kg. Similarly, Dal masoor, which was sold at Rs 42 last month, is now priced at Rs 50 per kg.
Sources in the Akbari Mandi here said that the wholesale market was facing a dull session these days. They said that Pakistan's consumption of gram pulse is 600,000 tons per year and the country also imports in case of gap between demand and supply.
In vegetables also, retailers are active in minting money at consumer's cost despite drop or stability in wholesale prices. Onion prices have remained unchanged at Rs 10 to Rs 14 per kg. In some areas, pushcart owners are selling onion at Rs 12 per kg.
The price of garlic has remained unchanged at Rs 35-40 per kg, while the rates of ginger, being imported from Singapore and China, have also stayed at Rs 40 per kg.
Poultry live birds prices have declined significantly to Rs 30-35 per kg, while the rates of poultry meat have also fallen to Rs 55-60 per kg. Egg prices have also dropped. Various varieties of rice have shown no upward change in prices.
The retail price of mutton has increased to Rs 260-290 per kg making it rather impossible for salaried people to buy it.
Despite soaring price of mutton, it is not available in some of the areas in the provincial metropolis. There is no check of meat sellers, who are charging high prices.
Moreover, financial experts said that despite import of beef, mutton, tomato, onion, garlic and potatoes from neighbouring countries, the consumers are still facing burden of high prices.
They urged the economic managers of the country to realise the gravity of the situation of inflated prices; and take immediate steps to help the people from unnecessary burden of essential prices.