Prices of most of the essential food items including vegetables and fruits registered a sharp increase in the week past as compared to the preceding week, reveals a survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Saturday.
Traders and wholesalers in different markets of the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad revealed that due to the recent rains in most parts of the country, arrival of vegetables and fruits delayed, besides disruption in supply chain, which resulted in increase of prices. Sugar price remained unchanged during the week past as compared to the preceding.
They further said that prices of spices and condiments were also increased during the week past as compared to the last week. Price of ginger rose by Rs 5 and garlic went up by Rs 10 per kg during the week. Chicken price also increased in the week, as it was being sold at Rs 140-45 per kg against Rs 135-140 per kg in preceding week.
Further, ladyfinger was being sold at Rs 130 per kg, brinjal at Rs 50, Karela at Rs 80-100 per kg, tomato was being sold at Rs 80-85 per kg against Rs 75-80 per kg, onions at Rs 80 per kg against Rs 75 per kg, Kheera at Rs 30 per kg, potato at Rs 35 against Rs 30 per kg and Shimla Mirch at Rs 80 against Rs 70 per kg during the week past as compared to the preceding week.
The survey further noted a substantial increase in fruits prices during the week past as compared to the last. Banana was available at Rs 160-180 per dozen, golden apple at Rs 200 per kg while other at Rs 100-120 per kg, Kinnow at Rs 100-120 per dozen depending on quality and melon at Rs 50 per kg during the week past as compared to the preceding week.
Prices of entire range of pluses remained stable during last week as compared to the preceding week: Masoor washed was available at Rs 110, Moong washed at Rs 125-140 per kg, Mash washed at Rs 150-160 per kg.