High prices of edibles irk Abbottonians

ABBOTTABAD: People are facing problems due to soaring prices of essential items, particularly fruits and vegetables, during the holy month of Ramazan.

Profiteers are exploiting the situation, with prices inflated by 30 to 40 percent, with no checks from any authority in the district.The process of fixing prices for vegetables and fruits lacks a proper system, and the authorities responsible for monitoring these fixed prices are seemingly nonexistent. Consumers have demanded that the provincial government establish a mechanism to counter check the entire process.

Markets during the holy month are witnessing a notable surge in prices, placing a heavy financial burden on residents.Commodities of daily use, especially vegetables and fruits, have experienced substantial price hikes, causing widespread public concern.

For instance, tomatoes, previously sold at Rs120 per kilogram before Ramazan, are now priced at Rs180 per kg. Peas, once priced at Rs120 per kg, have seen an increase up to Rs200 per kg. Similarly, the price of onions has seen a surge from Rs150 to Rs250 per kg, and prices of other vegetables have also increased significantly.

Fruits have not been spared from the price surge either. Bananas, previously priced at Rs100 per dozen, are now being sold at Rs250 per dozen, while apples have surged from Rs200 to Rs400 per kg.

Although local administration has established complaint cells at various points, consumers continue to face challenges from shopkeeper mafias who disregard the fixed prices.Residents, expressing dismay over the price hike, have urged the district administration to take necessary action against profiteers. They called for the implementation of an official pricelist to regulate the market and protect consumers from exploitation. The sudden increase in prices has made it difficult for households to manage their expenses, claimed Qaiser Iqbal.Similarly, Saeed Akhtar echoed similar sentiments, demanding that the district administration step in and ensure fair prices are maintained in the markets.