Experts have identified several factors that contribute to fluctuations in commodity prices, which include a reduction in vegetable production, an increase in population and insufficient storage capacity. photo: APP
Small vegetable vendors have stopped selling tomatoes, peas, ginger and garlic due to the high prices, whereas fluctuations in vegetable prices continue, tomatoes are selling at Rs600 per kilogram in the suburban areas of Rawalpindi.
“The supply of tomatoes is low while the demand is high and tomatoes are no longer being imported from Afghanistan,” said Sabzi Mandi Traders Union President Rawalpindi Ghulam Qadir. “Until the supply is fully restored, tomato prices will not decrease and this increase will continue,” he added.
Read: Vegetable prices shoot up on the open market
Tensions along the Pak-Afghan border escalated in early October when clashes erupted after Afghanistan opened unprovoked fire at several locations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan, prompting a swift and forceful response by the Pakistan Army. Several Afghan positions were destroyed and dozens of Afghan soldiers and militants were killed. However, a 48-hour ceasefire was agreed at the behest of the Afghan government.
In the open market, tomatoes are sold at Rs450 to Rs500 per kilogram. Garlic has touched Rs400 per kilogram while ginger has risen to Rs750 per kilogram. Onions are priced at Rs120 per kilogram and peas are sold at Rs500 per kilogram. The price of capsicum has come down to Rs 300 per kilogram and okra is also being sold at the same rate. Cucumbers are available at Rs150 per kilogram, and local red carrots at Rs200 per kilogram. Local lemons are priced at Rs300 per kilogram, while coriander, which was earlier given free, now costs Rs50 for a small bunch.
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Among fruits, apples sell for Rs250 to Rs350 per kilogram and grapes for Rs400 to Rs600 per kilogram. Pomegranates cost Rs 400 per kilogram while guavas cost Rs 170 per kg. A single coconut is sold for Rs 400. In terms of dozen-based prices, sweet oranges are priced between Rs250 and Rs300 and bananas cost Rs150 to Rs200 per dozen. dozen.
“Vegetables imported through the Wagah border from India are cheaper compared to vegetables imported from Iran,” said Ghulam Mir. “Imports of white onions from Iran failed as their taste did not meet customers’ standards,” he added.
The prices of vegetables in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have increased and have been out of control for several days. Suburbs are the most affected with tomato prices at Rs550 to Rs600 per kilogram.
Read also: Tomato prices surpass chicken meat in Karachi
Earlier, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema announced that he is personally monitoring wholesale vegetable auctions in sabzi mandi from Thursday. He said the district administration officials will supervise the wholesale auction and sale process.
At present there are 30 Price Control Magistrates in Rawalpindi district and the Government has started temporarily giving first class magisterial powers to officers and in-charges of various departments.
