Potato, onion prices fall

KARACHI: Supply of vegetables increased in the wholesale vegetable market on Thursday, which resulted in a decline in prices of onion and potato, two of the largely consumed vegetables.

Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Vegetable Market President Haji Shahjehan said high quality potato price decreased by Rs100/40kg to Rs900/40kg, while high quality onion rates dropped by Rs100/40kg to Rs1,400/40kg.

Tomato rates remained unchanged at Rs200/12kg. Prices of other fresh vegetables were also down, as supply was higher than demand, he said. On the other hand, prices of lentils increased by five to 10 percent in the wholesale market.

Karachi Retail Grocers Association General Secretary Farid Qureshi said there was an increase in the demand which affected prices, as the wholesale market would likely be closed down on Friday because of an extra three hours of lockdown period starting from noon to 3 pm.

He said it would be difficult for traders to come for a few hours in the morning, and open shops at 3 pm and again close at 5 pm.