With onset of cold weather, the sale of dry fruits has increased despite their high prices, particularly almonds and peanuts.
During the winter season, intake of dry fruits including dates, walnuts, cashews and pistachios becomes a popular ‘pastime’ among people, but almonds and peanuts remain the most favourite.
Peanuts are available in the market for Rs 240 to 280, almonds for Rs 640 to 720, walnuts for Rs 400, pistachios for Rs 1400, Raisin for Rs 480 to 800, cashews for Rs 1,800 to 2,200 and pine nuts (chilgoza) for Rs 3,400 a kilogram.
Consumers complain of high prices of dry-fruits, which they say, are beyond the purchasing power of the salaried class.
Haneef Aslam, who was shopping at Aabpara Market on Friday, said the price of the peanuts was less compared to dry-fruits, but it had also registered an increase of Rs 20 to 30 per kg than the last year.
According to Muhammad Zubair, who deals in dry fruits, said they import dry fruit from neighboring countries of Afghanistan and Iran, besides Gilgit, Chitral and Quetta at high prices.
Asad Khan, a buyer, said he was fond of figs due to their healthy effects on the digestive system. Moreover, eating figs was a Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), he said.
He said he had to purchase dry fruits at exorbitant prices because all his children liked to eat them.