PESHAWAR: A steep increase was witnessed in prices of live chicken/meat, fresh fruits, beef, vegetables and other essential food items in the retail market during Eidul Fitr holidays.
Price of chicken meat has crossed triple century on eve of Eid in the local market as it was being sold at Rs301/- per kg which was selling at Rs271/- in the last holy month of Ramazan, according to a weekly survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Sunday.
Poultry dealers say prices have gone up because of low production amid increased demand on Eid. They also attributed that the increasing rates of chicken fodder and high daily expenses were another main reason behind the upward trend in prices.
Similarly, it was witnessed that the butchers in provincial capital took full advantage of Eid and sold cow beef at Rs600-650/- per kg against the official fixed rate of Rs370/- per kg. Likewise, according to the survey, the prices of mutton beef also remained sky-rocketed in the local market on Eid as being sold at Rs1300-1400/- per kg. A dozen of farm eggs are being sold at Rs160-170 and Rs180.
It was witnessed that fresh fruits have become costlier on eve of Eid in the retail market, as prices are completely reached out of the purchasing power of a common man. Apples are being sold at Rs200-300/- per kg, apricot at Rs250/- per kg, bananas available at Rs150-180/- and Rs200/- per dozen, guava was being sold at Rs200/- per kg, peach at Rs150/- per kg, mangoes are being sold within range of Rs120-150/- and Rs200/- per kg, stored orange at Rs150/- per dozen, melon at Rs80/- per kg, watermelon was being sold at Rs60 per kg.
According to the survey, the prices of vegetables remained high-side during the Eid holidays in the local market. It was revealed that peas is being sold at Rs150-200/- per kg, capsicum at Rs200/- per kg, bitter gourd at Rs170/- per kg, lady finger at Rs120/- per kg, tori at Rs80-100/- per kg, arvi at Rs100/- per kg, kado at Rs100/- per kg, red potato at Rs70-80/- per kg, while white-coloured potato at Rs60 per kg, bringle at Rs50 per kg, cauliflower at Rs80/- per kg, cabbage at Rs60-70/- per kg.
A one-kg ginger is being sold at Rs400/- per kg, garlic at Rs200/- per kg, tomato at Rs80/- per kg, onion at Rs60/- per kg, green chilli at Rs150/- per kg, lemon at Rs100/- per kg, cucumber at Rs60/- per kg, carrots at Rs80/- per kg.
The survey noticed the prices of food grains/ grocery items remained unchanged in the local market. A one-kg sugar is being sold at Rs100/- kg in the local market, whereas grain flour (baisen) was available at Rs120 per kg.
It was witnessed that prices of all brands of edible oil and ghee remained unchanged in the retail market as available within range of Rs250-260/- per KG/litre, and Rs280-300/- and Rs310/- per kg/litre.
It was revealed that good quality rice (sela) was being sold at Rs150-160 per kg, while other qualities were being available within range of Rs120-130 and Rs140 per kg, while toota rice was being sold at Rs70-80 per kg. Prices of cooking oil/ghee also remained high-side in the retail market.
Likewise, red bean is being sold within range of Rs180/- and Rs200-220/- per kg, white lobiya at Rs200/- per kg, big-size white channa available at Rs140/- per kg while small size at Rs120/- per kg, mash dal was being sold at Rs260/- per kg, dhoti dal at Rs220/- per kg, dal masoor at Rs160/- per kg. Dal chilka (green) was available at Rs160/- while dal chilka (black) was being sold at Rs220/- per kg.
Prices of dried fruits also touched a new peak in the retail market, which is unaffordable for people to buy in this winter season.
It was noticed that flour price has remained high-side as a 20-KG fine flour bag was being sold at Rs1300-1350 while mixed flour 20kg bag was being available at Rs1200-1250 in the local market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021