Prices of fruits and vegetables increase by 70 percent in various markets of capital in the absence of price control authorities
The consumers are facing more than 60 to 70 percent price hike in third week of September in different markets of the city due to the absence of monitoring and price checking by the concerned officials of city administration.
According to a market survey conducted on Tuesday in different markets and bazaars including Aabpara Market, Sitara Market and I-10 Markaz, mangoes are being sold at Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kilogram in open market shops, peaches at Rs 150, grapes at Rs 250 to Rs 300 per kg, banana at Rs 180 Rs 200 per dozen and apples at Rs 150 Rs 180 per kg.
Similarly, prices of all vegetables have increased by 60 to 70 percent during current month but unfortunately nobody could see the concerned prices in open markets shops.
Potatoes are being sold at Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kilogram, cucumber was being sold at Rs 80 per kilogram, turnip at Rs 60 to Rs 70 per kg, beans at Rs 150 per kg, beans green at Rs 100 per kg and cauliflower at Rs 70 to Rs 80. Similarly, prices of fresh meat continuously going up without any check.
According to a Shopkeeper, Salman Ahmad, in Aabpara Market, during the divesting flood in all over the country, the demand and supply problems have emerged. He added that because of current natural catastrophe the stocks and crops of vegetable and fruits are destroyed, which cost huge loss to the farmers.
People belonging to different walks of life said that officials of city administration were not taking interest in controlling ever-increasing prices in the open market shops. The profiteers and hoarders are looting public with connivance of concerned authorities.
“When we go to high officials to lodge a complaint we are given a reply that there is no official in his seat,” said a customer Najam Khan.
Hamid Rehman, another customer, said Punjab government should appoint a permanent officer in the city to control ever-increasing inflation and hoarding.
Saima Shahid, a lady customer, said that she wanted to lodge a complaint regarding sub-standard items being sold in markets and different bazaars, but there was no officer in offices.