MARDAN: The prices of essential food items, including meat, rice, sweets, and biscuits have been increased across the district ahead of Ramazan.
According to a newly issued price list signed by the Deputy Commissioner and the Food Controller of Mardan, the price of goat meat has surged by Rs 600 per kilogram, reaching Rs 1,900. Similarly, meat now costs Rs 800 per kilogram after an increase of Rs 100 while minced meat has also seen a sharp hike of Rs 210, now priced at Rs 1,000 per kilogram instead of Rs 790.
The price of sweets has jumped by Rs180 to Rs850 per kilogram, while biscuits now cost Rs 750 per kilogram, up from Rs 570.
This marks the second increase in the prices of sweets and biscuits within the past eight months. The prices of rice and other essential commodities have also been raised, increasing the financial burden on consumers.
Local residents have voiced their frustration over the price hikes ahead of Ramazan. “Instead of easing the burden on people, the administration has made it harder for us,” said Arif Khan, a resident of Mardan.
The residents have urged the chief minister and chief secretary to take immediate notice of the situation and launch an inquiry into the Mardan administration’s move, which they claim has further fueled inflation in the region.