Prices of chicken, tomatoes hit record high in KP

MANSEHRA: Prices of chicken and tomatoes reached a record high in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Saturday, with the former being

sold alive at Rs510 per kilogram and the latter at Rs450 per kg.

“We have experienced history’s highest inflation in recent weeks and months, but it is unimaginable that chicken is being sold at Rs510 per kg and tomatoes at Rs450 per kg,” said Waqar Khan, a customer purchasing chicken at a local shop in Mansehra.

The officials concerned have miserably failed to check the rates of essential commodities, and after Eidul Fitr, the prices of almost all vegetables and chicken surged to a record high.

The price of chicken, which was Rs470 (alive) per kg before Eid, has now reached its highest price of Rs510 per kg.

“We are one of the leading districts in the country in terms of poultry production, but unfortunately, its prices are determined by its federation in Punjab, which is unjust to us. The government should take remedial measures to curb soaring rates,” Waqar Khan said.

He noted that despite substantial local egg production, prices had also increased, as rates were being set by Punjab.

Another local, Saifullah Khan, mentioned that tomatoes, which were sold at Rs300 per kg during the holy month of Ramazan,

were now being sold at Rs400 per kg.

“In some city areas and the rest of the district, tomatoes are being sold at Rs500 per kg,” he added.

He further stated that although the district administration had initiated a crackdown to check soaring tomato prices, hardly two to three profiteers selling tomatoes at over Rs400 were booked or fined.