LAHORE – The prices of vegetables remained stable but the quality of certain vegetables remained in doubt in Sunday bazaars. However, fruit prices continued to increase.
Vegetables were easily available in Sunday bazaars but as per norm customers were not happy with the quality of product available. They said the administration should enforce quality standards in bazaars instead of concentrating on price control.
They claimed shopkeepers were selling third grade fruits and vegetables at the rate of first grade and the administration has closed eyes. “I argued with a shopkeeper about the quality of vegetables but he showed a careless attitude, saying that if the administration was happy then how could I object?,” said housewife Saeeda Khalid.
She said she approached the Sunday bazaar administration to lodge a complaint but the administration showed her a cold shoulder. “The administration is least bothered for the quality issues,” she added.
Another customer Tehmina Shamim said the quality of tomatoes was very bad. She claimed shopkeepers were selling rotten vegetables. She, also, said the prices of fruits are increasing on daily basis and eating fruits was now a dream for the poor. “Can you imagine to buy a kilogram of apples for Rs 110 and strawberry for Rs 135,” she said adding that the government should do something to control fruit prices.
The vendors denied allegations saying they are following the rate list and only selling products according to the standards. “We can not sell thirds grade products at first grade rates, as the customers are very well aware of it,” said a vegetable vendor Suhail Saleem adding the administration imposes fine on us if we adopt such tactics.
Meanwhile the prices of onion, potatoes and garlic remained stable as compare to last week while the price of tomatoes decreased by Rs 8 per kg and it was sold for Rs 26 per kg. The prices of ginger increased by Rs 30 per kg as compare to last week and it was available for Rs 120 per kg.
The prices of chicken meat decreased Rs 5 per kg and it was available for Rs 165 per kg. The prices of fruits witnessed upward trend, as A-grade apples were available for Rs 110 per kg while last week it was sold for Rs 95 per kg.
