Consumers Struggle with Soaring Prices During Eid Holidays

During the recent Eidul Azha holidays, residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad faced a significant increase in the prices of essential items due to the closure of major markets. As the markets are set to reopen today, there is hope that prices will stabilize, providing relief to consumers.

Throughout the holiday period, consumers encountered inflated prices for various items. Fresh coriander was being sold for Rs80 per small bunch, lemons for Rs1,000, tomatoes for Rs300, potatoes for Rs130, onions for Rs140, green chillies for Rs300, peas for Rs200, capsicum for Rs250, garlic for Rs800, and ginger for Rs1,000 per kilogram.

Additionally, fruit prices witnessed a surge with bananas priced at Rs220 per dozen, mangoes at Rs250-300, apricots at Rs300, cherries at Rs500, watermelon at Rs60, and melon at Rs300 per kilogram. Staple foods also saw a significant increase in prices, with gram lentils at Rs350, white chickpeas at Rs400, rice at Rs410 per kilogram, and oil at Rs490 per litre. Furthermore, the prices of all cold drinks rose by Rs20.

During the Eid holidays, the absence of price control measures in Rawalpindi district allowed vendors to exploit the situation by charging exorbitant prices. With 60 price control magistrates on leave, consumers were left vulnerable to sellers who took advantage of the market conditions.

The surge in prices during the Eidul Azha holidays in Rawalpindi and Islamabad has put a strain on consumers, highlighting the importance of effective price control measures. As the markets reopen, it is crucial for authorities to ensure fair pricing practices to protect the interests of the public and promote affordability.