June 02, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 16, 1428

KARACHI, June 1: Consumers saw a mixed trend in kitchen items last month as prices of fine atta (10 kg bag), ghee, cooking oil, rice, masur, tomato and egg increased as against the fall in the prices of tea, poultry products, moong, gram pulse and kabli channa.

A price survey from May 1 to June 1 revealed an increase of Rs5 in Ashrafi atta (10 kg bag) from Rs160 to Rs165. In many areas, retailers were seen charging Rs170. Other brands of fine atta also registered an increase in prices.

Although prices increased when export of wheat was in full swing, a decrease in the prices is yet to be witnessed despite a ban on wheat export.

The prices of branded ghee, cooking oil and 16 kg ghee tins had increased on the back of rising palm olien prices in the world market.

Tomato price surged by Rs20 per kg to Rs40 in one month, but in the last week of May, it reached its peak i.e. Rs55-60 per kg.

Masur price increased by Rs2 per kg at retail stage despite the fact that no major increase was recorded in the wholesale stage.

An importer said global import price of masur (whole) had surged to $600 per ton from $450 ton some 15 days back.

He said the landed cost now comes to Rs38 per kg, but it is still selling at Rs33 per kg at wholesale stage. The real increase will come in the days to come.

Masur crop of 20,000-25,000 tons arrived last month, but it could not match the yearly domestic consumption of 110,000-125,000 tons, and thus the country had to import masur to meet its requirement.

Moong’s estimated new crop of 125,000 tons is arriving next month and its impact has already been felt with slight decrease in its rates by Rs3 per kg at retail stage.

Mash prices had dropped by Rs3 per kg in the aftermath of falling global prices. Gram pulse had declined by Re1 per kg as a result of sentimental impact of government’s decision to ban its export last month.

Despite hot weather and low consumption, egg prices went up by Rs12 per dozen while live poultry bird price fell by Rs14 per kg followed by a drop in poultry meat prices by Rs10 per kg.

A poultry dealer said oversupply had led to a decline in prices.

Despite a decline in onion prices at wholesale to Rs7 from Rs9 per kg, the retailers continue to charge Rs12 per kg.

Market sources said the government is likely to take some measures this year, especially to check prices at the retail stage to win the support of masses before the October 2007 general elections.