26 February 2004	Thursday	05 Muharram 1425

ISLAMABAD, Feb 25: Prices of consumer items have gone up unannounced in Rawalpindi and Islamabad during the last two months. Breads of different brands earlier sold for Rs20 now sell at Rs22 and Rs23 while a 1kg milk pack is sold for Rs34.

Prices of edible oils have also shot up incredibly. Dalda cooking oil to mention one of the brands used to be sold for Rs325 to Rs335 less than two months ago, but now it costs R395 and even higher in some markets of posh areas.

So is the case with other brands of edible oils. Although a news had appeared in the press recently that baseless increase in prices of consumer items would be reduced, but no action having being taken, prices remain as high as they had gone up.

Consumers continue to purchase these items lamenting and criticizing the authorities for not taking any action. "And President Pervez Musharraf comes on TV and says that people are happier now as the country is prospering," said a consumer.

"Prices should remain stable the year round and increase only if the budget imposes any taxes or duties on the consumer items." Consumers have also complained about increase in prices of drugs, including homeopathic medicines.