Food prices on the relentless rise and reaching new heights
Published on: October 30, 2023.
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Even amidst promises of relief from the government, the district’s price control system has failed to effectively manage the skyrocketing inflation.
In just 24 hours, the price of chicken has surged by Rs50 per kg. Additionally, the price of pulses and rice has risen by Rs20 to Rs25 per kg in a single day. Broiler shaver farm eggs have seen an increase of Rs8 per dozen, while domestic eggs have gone up by Rs25 per dozen. To top it off, the price of a bag of sugar has spiked by Rs300 in just two days.
While the government did announce some benefits for the people with a Rs40 reduction in petrol prices, traders are quick to point out that diesel prices were only reduced by Rs15 and still remain above Rs300 per litre.
Furthermore, some traders have complained that local magistrates responsible for monitoring prices are taking supplies from the market for free and are not enforcing price caps. This has become a rampant issue in the twin cities, with people struggling to afford essential goods even at Sunday Bazaars.
The district currently has around 60 price control magistrates, but according to traders, they don’t visit the markets. Instead, their clerks, watchmen, and security guards act on their behalf and intimidate shopkeepers into giving them food items for free to avoid fines.
Even the 20 subsidized markets established by the district administration have failed in providing quality products. They often only have spoiled fruits to sell. Additionally, the administration and police have been unsuccessful in ensuring cleanliness and security in all Sunday markets.
Grocery shops throughout the district have stopped selling food items at the prices set by the deputy commissioner (DC) and are demanding new prices be set based on the current market conditions.
The soaring prices can be seen across various goods. Green coriander, which used to be given for free with vegetables, is now being sold for Rs100. Peas are priced at Rs550 per kg, chicken meat at Rs590 per kg, mutton at Rs2200 per kg, and beef at Rs1100 per kg. Shaver eggs now cost Rs335 per dozen, while desi eggs are priced at Rs750 per dozen.
White chickpeas are priced at Rs430 per kg, milk costs around Rs200 per litre, yogurt is Rs220 per kg, bread is Rs25, naan is Rs30, and paratha is selling for Rs60. Even a cup of tea is available for Rs80.
Fruits and vegetables have also seen a surge in prices. Potatoes are now priced at Rs128 per kg, onions at Rs130, lemons at Rs180, tomatoes at Rs170 per kg, cucumbers at Rs100, radishes at Rs50, and carrots at Rs150.
The price of apples ranges between Rs250 to Rs300 per kg, bananas are Rs150 per dozen, sweet limes are Rs200 per dozen, guavas are Rs180 per kg, grapes are Rs350 per kg, and grape rounds cost Rs300 per kg.
Buyers like Sajjad Ahmed have noticed that prices are slightly lower at Sunday and Sahulat markets, but the quality is not up to par. Ahmed says that some essential items have become extremely expensive. Previously, he could purchase his weekly ration for Rs2,000, but now he spends Rs5,000 and still doesn’t have all the items he needs.
Meanwhile, Salim Pervez Butt, an office holder of a collective of grocery shop owners, revealed that they met with the district administration on October 17 to discuss fixing prices of food items. While the administration marginally reduced the price of diesel, they also lowered the rates of pulses.
Source: [The Express Tribune](https://tribune.com.pk)
