Prices of fruit, vegetables increase

F.P. Report

LAKKI MARWAT: Prices of fruits and vegetables have shot up in Lakki city and other towns of the district as the lockdown was extended by the government.

During a visit to several shops, Dawn learnt that prices of vegetable had gone beyond the purchasing limit of citizens.  Vegetables like lady finger (okra) and bitter gourd were available at Rs 160 per kg while prices of peas, onion and potatoes were high. The prices of fruits were also unaffordable for citizens.

The local administration with the help of food department and fruit and vegetable sellers’ union fix the prices of commodities on daily basis. The official price list of vegetables and fruits jointly signed by district food controller and union’s president is provided to the sellers with directions to implement it in letter and spirit. 

Prices of quality items and low quality items are separately fixed in the official price list.  The officials of district administration and food department regularly visit outlets of vegetable and fruit sellers to implement the government rate list.

 “The shops of fruit and vegetable sellers are exempted from lockdown and it has helped availability of commodities in abundance in the market”, claimed a resident on Monday. He said that exorbitant prices of vegetables fruits and other essential commodities had added to the troubles of people. 

 “Along with continuous lock down which has badly affected local residents and low income class the sky rocketing prices of vegetables and fruits are like to sprinkle salt on their burns”, said another citizen. He said that incumbent government had badly failed to extend any relief to the lockdown affected people who had been restricted to their homes.

Local fruit and vegetable sellers said that the commodities were available in abundance in the market and that they implement the official pricelists in letter and spirit.

“We display official rate list at a prominent place in our shops so that people could check the prices of commodities they intend to buy”, a vegetable vendor said.

Local residents asked the government to announce sufficient decrease in prices of fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities.