Karachi/Lahore/RawalPindi:

When Ramazan begins, the annual ritual for skyrocketing prices has again bred its ugly head, forcing citizens to break the bank before breaking their fasting.

Despite the government’s promises to empty profitting, the markets tell another story, with fruits, vegetables, meat and groceries that waves by 10% to 50%, which transforms groceries into a test of faith.

Citizens complain that although the holy month is intended to clean the soul, it now only empties the wallet as it will be an open season for those who redeem the necessity.

In Karachi, one day before the start of Ramazan, a study conducted that the cost of basic ingredients had risen overnight, leaving consumers rolling.

Market prices show that onion sells for Rs 80-100/kg, potatoes RS70-80/kg, and tomatoes Rs 40/kg, while garlic has risen to Rs 800/kg and ginger for Rs 600-800/kg.

Green chili, capsicum and green onions are now price for RS200/kg. Ordinary vegetables such as brinjals, spinach, radish and carrots are Rs 80/kg, while cauliflower and mayonos are RS100/kg.

Bitter Kalebas and Okra pick up Rs 240/kg with fresh coriander and mint for Rs 20 per day. Bundle.

Fruits, a staple for Iftar, are also out of reach for many. Bananas are sold for RS200-300 per. Dozen, oranges RS400-700 per Dozen and strawberries RS600-800/kg. Guavas is available at RS300/kg, dates between RS400-800/kg and watermelon for Rs 200/kg.

Meat prices are also skyrocket. Beef with bones sells for RS1.300-1,500/kg, boneless beef for RS1.600-1.800/kg, and mutton for RS2.200/kg. Chicken prices have risen to RS700/kg, while traditional Ramazan goodbits such as Samosas, Pheni and Dahi Baray have also become expensive, with Pheni, which costs RS1,000-1,400/kg, Samosas RS480 per day. Dussin and Dahi Baray RS800/kg.

In Lahore, inflation bites even harder, with mutton, which now affects RS 2,500/kg, beef to Rs 1,300/kg and chicken meat at RS625/kg. Basic raw materials such as grammar (RS 370/kg), white chickpeas (RS 420/kg) and cooking oil (Rs 550 per liter) have also seen steep price increases.

Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider assured the public that Price-Control teams daily broke down on profit.

However, consumers rejected the efforts as merely lip service. Many complain that price control attacks are nothing but symbolic movements, with a few shop owners fine, while the rest of the market continues business as usual.

Meanwhile, the situation in Rawalpindi is no different. Daily significant things like sugar, flour, lentils and rice have all seen price waves, adding the burden of already fighting households.