Islamabad, Aug 25 (IANS) As happens in Pakistan during Ramadan every year, food prices have again spun out of control making life extremely difficult for common citizens.
According to the government’s price control committee, fruit has become dearer by 20 to 25 percent and vegetables by 10 percent.

“The prices of fruits, vegetables, meat and other items are increasing on a daily basis,” The News reported Tuesday on its website.

Potatoes are being sold at Rs.40-50 per kg, sugar at Rs.55 per kg, milk at Rs.40 per litre, ginger and garlic at Rs.94 per litre, onions at Rs.26 per kg, cabbage, ladyfinger, bitter groud (karela) and colocasia (arvi) at Rs.40-45 per kg.

Grapes are selling for a staggering Rs.200 per kg, mangoes at Rs.50-80 per kg and apples at Rs.70 per kg.

In open markets and bazaars, there is no uniformity in the prices of different items. Although shopkeepers have price lists, they don’t follow them.

The thrift bazaars and Ramadan bazaars established by the government “have completely failed to provide relief to the masses”, The News said.

According to the price control committee, the price hike had been caused by commission agents increasing their rates.