The wave of inflation that began with the New Year shows no signs of abating, leaving price control judges seemingly powerless to curb escalating costs. Even Sunday markets, traditionally seen as a relief to consumers, have been swept away by ongoing inflation.

In the open market, live chicken is sold at Rs450 per kilogram, with chicken meat priced at Rs700 per kilogram.

Eggs are selling at Rs301 per dozen, while mutton has risen to Rs2,200 per kilogram and beef to Rs1,400 per kilogram.

Prices of essential commodities have also risen sharply, with chickpea lentils at Rs 390 per kilogram, split black gram at Rs 600 per kilogram, bulk milk at Rs 220 per litre, 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 spiral of inflation with potatoes at Rs120 per kilogram, onions at Rs170 per kilogram and tomatoes at Rs180 per kilogram.

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 Rs 40 per kilogram, carrots at Rs 60 per kilogram, lemons at Rs 12. kilogram, bitter gourd at Rs150 per kilogram, cauliflower at Rs 100 per kilogram and pumpkin at Rs 140 per kilogram.

Fruit prices have also increased with apples at between Rs 250 and 350 per kilogram, pomegranates between Rs 350 and 400 per kilogram and bananas between Rs 150 and 170 per dozen. Sweet lemons are sold at Rs200 to Rs250 per dozen, oranges at Rs500 per dozen and guavas at Rs200 per kilogram.

The relentless rise in prices has left citizens struggling to meet their household expenses with no immediate relief in sight.