Prices of most items registered sharp increase before Ramazan

Islamabad

The prices of most of fruit, vegetables and food items have registered a sharp increase in the open market in last few days as the shopkeepers are eyeing undue profit from these products in Ramazan.

The shopkeepers have not displayed any new rate lists but they have started minting extra profit on various products including potato, onion, ginger, ladyfinger, cauliflower, black pepper, lemon and cabbage.

"The prices of fruits, vegetables and other edibles have shot up as the wholesale dealers are creating an artificial shortage of edible items just before the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan," said Khurram Shahzad, a shopkeeper at Asghar Mall area.

He said a few days ago white apple was available in the market at Rs100 to 120 per kilogramme and now it is being sold between Rs200 and 250.

According to the market rates, dates are now available from Rs300 to 400 per kilogramme (kg); yogurt Rs90 to 110 per kg; mango Rs160 to 200 per kg; cherry Rs450 to 500 per kg; peach Rs140 to 180 per kg; banana Rs220 to 280 per dozen; pomegranate Rs600 to 700 per kg; black grapes Rs300 to 350 per kg; broccoli Rs650 to 750 per kg; and cauliflower is being sold from Rs130 to 150 per kg.