Govt unmoved as prices rise

The new government seems helpless in stabilising the prices of consumer items which have gone up by 25 per cent to 40 per cent since its formation. A market survey showed an unprecedented hike in the prices of three main kitchen items — atta (wheat flour), vegetable oil and rice - which are usually consumed by people of all classes.

The main reasons behind the sudden rise in the rates of kitchen items are stated to be recent hike in petroleum and gas prices, long power loadshedding and increase in exports of such items. The highest increase was noted in the price of Atta, as its 20kg bag was selling at Rs390 against Rs285 two months back. This is because the new government revised the wheat procurement price from Rs510 to Rs625 to facilitate the growers and farmers.

As a result of increase in Atta price, the rate of Naan has also been raised by Tandoorwalas to Rs5 from Rs4. People are also complaining about shortage of Atta and in some places supply of substandard flour. The second highest increase was recorded in the price of vegetable oil, as a five kg tin of Dalda oil was selling at Rs750 against its previous rate of Rs580. Similarly, its 2.5kg tin is available for Rs365 against Rs285 two months ago.

An increase of Rs35 to Rs45 has been registered in the price of rice, as a good quality rice is now available for Rs100 per kg against its two months old rate of Rs65. The rate of packed or branded rice is Rs130 per kg which was earlier Rs90 per kg. Consumers at Karachi Company wholesale grocery market said despite living in agricultural country they were facing a food crisis and unprecedented price hike.

“We do not see the writ of the government in any sphere of life including law and order, provision of basic needs like electricity etc,” said Jawad Khan.

It was observed that the prices of pulses had also gone up within the last two moths, as Dal Channa, Masoor and Mash were selling at Rs58 per kg, Rs100 per kg and Rs75 per kg, respectively, against their previous rates of Rs38 per, 48 per kg and 65 per kg. Similarly, Channa (gram white) is being sold at Rs75 per kg against Rs65 per kg two months back, and Lobia red was available at Rs75 per kg against Rs55 per kg earlier.

An increase of Rs6 has been added in the prices of packed milk as one litre Milk Pack is selling at Rs46 which was available for Rs40 two months back. A sharp hike in the price of instant milk, which is given to the newborns and minors, has also been registered, as a 4,000 gram pack of Neslac is now available for Rs180 at retail level against its old rate of Rs150. Similarly, one kg pack of Nido is being sold at Rs300 against Rs265 two months back.

A 400 gram pack of Cerelac is now selling at Rs180 against its old rate of Rs150. The price of all kinds of biscuit packs have also jumped up by Rs3 and are available at Rs23 each. The rate of one kg pack of Everyday milk has increased by Rs20 and is now selling at Rs280. The price of one litre packs of juice has gone up to Rs65 against its previous price of Rs45.

A raise of Rs5 to Rs7 has been recorded in the price of all kinds of local toilet soaps and toothpastes, as a cake of Lux soap is now selling at Rs29 which was earlier Rs22. The price of detergents have also gone up as a one kg pack of Surf Excel is available at Rs160, whereas two months ago it was Rs148.

Similarly, mutton is available for Rs280 per kg which was Rs250 per kg two months back, while beef is selling at Rs180 per kg against its previous rate of Rs150 per kg. Packs of macronies and spagities, favourite dishes of kids, are selling at Rs32 and Rs40, respectively, while their old rates were Rs25 and Rs28. The rate of one litre bottle of tomato ketchup has gone up by Rs20 and is selling at Rs85 against Rs65.