Latest news with #ZAFARASLAM
Express Tribune
09-06-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Markets closure triggers price hike
Stalls are bereft of customers following calls on social media for a strike against fruit vendors to protest against the price hike. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/Express Due to the four-day closure of wholesale and commission markets on the eve of Eidul Azha, the supply chain of vegetables and fruits was disrupted, causing prices to spiral completely out of control in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. With all 60 price control magistrates of Rawalpindi also on holiday, shopkeepers were given a free hand to charge arbitrary rates without oversight. The closure of tandoors, roadside eateries, fruit and vegetable carts, and small shops further added to the public's hardship, making even basic food and bread difficult to access. Throughout all three days of Eidul Azha, fruit and vegetable prices in the open market remained at record highs. Coriander, which is often given for free with purchases, was being sold for Rs5070 per bunch. Vendors charged Rs120 per kg for onions, Rs100 per kg for potatoes, Rs700 per kg for lemons, Rs100 per kg for tomatoes, Rs250350 per kg for apples, Rs250300 per dozen for bananas, Rs300 per kg for mangoes, Rs350 per kg for peaches, Rs70 per kg for watermelon, Rs110 per kg for melons, Rs300 per kg for loquat, Rs450 per box for cherries, and Rs300 per kg for falsa (grewia). Fresh milk was sold for Rs240 per litre, yogurt Rs250 per kg, and sugar Rs190 per kg. From today (Tuesday), all wholesale markets and mandi operations are set to resume.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Price hike intensifies ahead of Eidul Azha
Stalls are bereft of customers following calls on social media for a strike against fruit vendors to protest against the price hike. PHOTO: ZAFAR ASLAM/Express With the failure of the price control and market committees, inflation in Rawalpindi continues to soar, further aggravated by the upcoming Eidul Azha. The prices of essential food and household items have seen sharp increases. Flour is being sold at Rs170 per kg, sugar at Rs185 per kg, and cooking oil and ghee at Rs510520 per packet. Pulses have also surged, with black gram at Rs600 per kg and split chickpeas at Rs360. White chickpeas are priced at Rs400 per kg. In the meat and poultry category, live chicken is selling for Rs425 per kg, chicken meat at Rs625, mutton at Rs2,400, beef at Rs1,400, eggs at Rs250 per dozen, milk at Rs220 per litre, and yogurt at Rs240 per kg. Vegetables and fruits are also becoming increasingly unaffordable. Potatoes are priced at Rs80 per kg, onions at Rs90, tomatoes at Rs100, and peas at Rs200. Despite the rising cost of living, local authorities have yet to take effective action to bring prices under control.
