The prices of milk, bakery items, sweets, vegetables and fruits increased 5 to 20 percent on Eidul Adha, while there was no check from the provincial and city district government. The consumers have severely criticised the government for failing to stop profiteering and hoarding. The sudden increase was made on Eid day so that no authority could question the profiteers on the price hike. A famous bakers and confections chain increased the price of milk and sweets. The price of milk was raised by Rs 5 per litre and it was sold for Rs 65 per litre while the price of sweets was increased by Rs 20 per kg and it was available for Rs 320 per kg. The consumers expressed their surprise at the sudden increase. “A couple of days ago, I bought sweets for Rs 300 per kg but now the bakery is selling it for Rs 320 per kg,” said a consumer Hassan Shabir, adding that, “The consumption of these products increase during special days like Eid and the producers know this fact therefore they increased the prices to earn maximum profit.” Similarly the prices of various vegetables, including garlic, ginger and onions and of fruits, including tomatoes, apples, grapes and bananas also increased sharply. Tomatoes were sold for Rs 150 per kg in many areas despite the official price being Rs 90-100 per kg. Similarly, garlic and ginger were sold for Rs 145-150 per kg, while their official price iss Rs 85-95 per kg. The onions were sold at Rs 60-70 per kg while its price is Rs 50 per kg. The vegetable and fruit sellers said that they were giving service during Eid days, therefore it was their right to charge extra money. “The transporters charge high fares during Eid days. I am also selling vegetables during Eid, therefore charging a little extra amount is not bad thing,” said vegetable seller Muhammad Ramzan.
