RAWALPINDI:
The wave of inflation that began with the New Year shows no signs of abating, leaving price control officials seemingly powerless to curb escalating costs. Even Sunday markets, traditionally seen as a relief for consumers, have been swept away by the current inflation.
In the open market, live chicken is sold at Rs 450 per kilogram, and chicken meat at Rs 700 per kilogram.
Eggs are retailing at Rs 301 per dozen, while mutton has risen to Rs 2,200 per kilogram and beef to Rs 1,400 per kilogram.
Prices of essential commodities have also increased sharply, with chickpea lentils at Rs 390 per kilogram, broken black grams at Rs 600 per kilogram, unpackaged milk at Rs 220 per liter, yogurt at Rs 240 per kilogram, cooking oil at Rs.500 per liter and ghee at Rs.490 per kilogram.
Vegetables have not been spared from the inflationary spiral, with potatoes at Rs 120 per kilo, onions at Rs 170 per kilo and tomatoes at Rs 180 per kilo.
Garlic is sold at Rs 700 per kilogram, ginger at Rs 550 per kilogram, green chillies at Rs 200 per kilogram, peas at Rs 150 per kilogram, taro root at Rs 190 per kilogram, radishes at 40 Rs per kilogram, carrots at Rs.60 per kilogram, lemons at Rs.120 per kilogram, bitter gourd at Rs150 per kilogram, cauliflower at Rs100 per kilogram and pumpkins at Rs140 per kilogram.
Prices of fruits have also climbed, with apples fetching Rs 250-350 per kilogram, pomegranates fetching Rs 350-400 per kilogram and bananas fetching Rs 150-170 per dozen. Sweet lemons sell for Rs 200 to Rs 250 per dozen, oranges for Rs 500 to Rs 200 per dozen and guavas for Rs 200 to Rs 200 per kilogram.
The relentless rise in prices has left citizens struggling to manage their household expenses, with no immediate relief in sight.
