As Ramadan begins in Pakistan, residents of Lahore are facing an unprecedented rise in the prices of essential commodities including vegetables, fruits and meat.
The sharp increase in costs has sparked widespread concern, with citizens demanding immediate action from the authorities against profiteering.
In some cases, the price of vegetables has almost doubled. Potatoes, which were earlier available for Rs45 per kg, are now being sold for between Rs80 and Rs100. Onions have increased from Rs70 to Rs120 per kg, while tomatoes, which were earlier priced at Rs40, are now being sold for Rs100. Similarly, the price of garlic has seen a dramatic increase, from its previous price of Rs600 to Rs800 per kg. The price of ginger has increased from Rs370 to Rs600 per kg. Other vegetables, including black pepper, okra and bitter gourd, are also being sold at significantly higher prices, ranging from Rs100 to Rs300 per kg.
Fruit, a staple of the iftar meal, has also become increasingly unaffordable. Apples are now priced at Rs 400 per kilogram, while bananas are priced at Rs 300 per dozen. The price of essential food items for iftar has reached Rs 1,000 per kilogram. Melon, a popular fruit during the holy month, is priced between Rs 250 and Rs 300.
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