Islamabad
Putting a damper on the Eid celebrations, the prices of fruits and vegetables have gone up by 50-80 per cent in Islamabad ahead of Eidul Azha.
Despite issuing food price list, the administration has failed to clamp down on profiteering leaving people at the mercy of shopkeepers.
Profiteering has been reported both at local markets and Sabzi Mandi.
Overall, the tomato, a must ingredient when it comes to the cooking of meat-based food, is selling at around Rs90 per kg against the price of Rs50 reported a week ago, potato at against Rs50 per kg against Rs30, onion at Rs40 per kg against Rs30, garlic at Rs200 per kg against Rs170, lemon at Rs160 per kg against Rs130, capsicum at Rs125 per kg against Rs90, green chilli at Rs70 per kg against Rs30, ladyfinger at Rs65 per kg against Rs50, eggplant at Rs65 per kg against Rs35, peas at Rs140 per kg against Rs170, fresh beans at Rs60 per kg against Rs80, cabbage at Rs60 per kg against Rs40 and bitter gourd at Rs70 per kg against Rs50.
As for fruits, their prices have also seen a sharp increase in the local market.
The mango is sold at Rs160 per kg against the previous rate of Rs100, grapes at Rs250 per kg against Rs150, apple at Rs150 per kg against Rs100, peach at Rs120 per kg against Rs80 and banana at Rs100 per dozen against Rs60.
The prices of spices have also surged ahead of Eid, popularly known as Bakra Eid, due to their use in meat-based dishes.
An official of the Islamabad district administration said the Islamabad Market Committee had established a complaint cell to check profiteering.
He said the people could complain about inflated food prices and non-display of price lists at 051-4867762 for quick action, including imposition of fine on profiteers or sealing of their shops or both.