Prices of fresh vegetables have increased in Multan, Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan division, as almost all vegetables are brought from areas of Central Punjab and Southern Punjab that are currently affected by floods in the country. Vegetables and fruits brought from other parts of the country could not reach the city due to floods and blockade of the roads. One-kilogram tomatoes are being sold at Rs 40 against its price of Rs 20 before floods.
Similarly, 'Shimla Mirch' is being sold at Rs 50 against Rs 20, lady finger Rs 50 against Rs 25, karela Rs 50 against Rs 20, green chilli Rs 80 against Rs 40, lemon Rs 80 against Rs 40, 'Tori' Rs 60 against Rs 40, 'Bengan' Rs 40 against Rs 20 and 'Arvi' Rs 40 against Rs 30 per kilogram. Haji Ikram, a vegetable wholesaler at sabzi mandi told that prices of vegetables have increased because the commodities could not be brought here due to floods. All kinds of vegetable are brought from the areas that are now badly affected by floods.
Executive District Officer (EDO) Revenue said that floods are the main reason behind increase in prices of vegetables in these cities. Majority of vegetables, being brought from other areas, could not reach local mandis because of floods. Prices of vegetables would come down soon, he said adding price magistrates are continuously visiting markets.
The residents told that vegetable sellers were taking full advantage of the floods and selling vegetables at higher rates on this excuse. They alleged that price magistrates were not performing their duties therefore public was compelled to buy vegetables on higher rates.