Vendors make money as officials on Eid holidays

LAHORE
The prices of some essential vegetables remained high just one day before Eidul Fitr as government officials after whole month strict price control practice went for Eid holidays which provided room to the vendors to make money.
The price of green chilli was increased by four times in just one day reached Rs200 per kg while lemon rates were doubled reached Rs200 to 240 per kg from a day ago rates of Rs100 to 120 per kg.
The provincial government had organised special Ramazan bazaars across the Punjab where edibles were sold at control rates. This time quality of edibles was better in the special makeshift markets remained operational throughout Ramazan.
However, the government failed to control price-hike, overcharging in the open markets as its major focus remained on special Ramazan bazaars where chief minister, ministers, parliamentarians and secretaries made ‘surprise visits’ the whole month.
On Friday, onion was sold at Rs50 per kg, with an increase of Rs15 per kg. Tomato was sold at Rs60 to 80 per kg, registering a gain of Rs40 per kg. Potato was sold at Rs40 to 50 per kg, from Rs25 to 30 per kg. Interestingly, ample supply of all items was observed but the rates were increased only to fetch more money from public.
Garlic was sold at Rs140 to 160 per kg, ginger was sold at Rs200 to 240 per kg, cucumber local sold at Rs40 per kg. Similarly, mango was sold at Rs100 to 140 per kg, banana at Rs120 to 160 per dozen, peach at Rs100 to 140 per kg, apricot at Rs140 to 160 per kg.
The rates of all fruits have registered Rs20 to 40 per kg increase in just one day. Now it is expected the prices of all fruits and vegetables will increase during Eid days as Badami Bagh Vegetables and Fruits Markets - the largest wholesale market of the province will remain closed due to Eid holidays.
Hence, no auction of fruits and vegetables will be held during the next three days while supplies from other cities will also be negligible which leads to increase in price-hike for couple of days even after Eid.