High prices of commodities perturb Mardan residents

MARDAN: During the holy month of Ramazan, residents of Mardan are facing a significant increase in the prices of essential food items such as chicken, meat, and other groceries.

Despite this, the local administration appears to be passive in addressing the issue. Visits to various markets revealed that traders are taking advantage of the situation by significantly raising prices, yet the authorities seem indifferent to the issue.

In areas like Bank Road, Bigut Gunj, Gaju Khan, Par Hoti, Shaheedano Bazaar, Charsadda Chowk, Shamshi Road, Malakand Chowk, and Adda Bazaar, consumers are showing less interest in purchasing chicken and meat due to the hiking prices.

The district administration had set the price of cow milk at Rs130 per kilogram and buffalo milk at Rs170 per kilogram, but they are being sold at higher rates ranging from Rs200 to Rs250 per kilogram. Similarly, the price of beef, fixed at Rs700 per kilogram, is being sold at Rs800 to Rs900 per kilogram, and boneless beef is priced between Rs1,100 to Rs1,200 per kilogram.

Also, many markets are selling water-mixed and unhealthy meat. Yogurt, priced at Rs180 per kilogram by the district administration, is being sold for Rs200 to Rs250 per kilogram.

Prices of vegetables, fruits, and other commodities have also surged, further burdening the residents. The artificial price hike seems to be orchestrated by many traders across the district.