January 25, 2008	Friday	Muharram 15, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: As consumers are still reeling from the atta crisis, the prices of edible oil have gone up by up to Rs15 per kg within a couple of weeks.

Different brands of edible oil which were selling at Rs90 and Rs95 per kg only a week or two ago are now available at Rs100 to Rs110 per kg. Ironically, the rates differ from place to place and the changes come within days. “Today you will find an article at a specific rate but tomorrow its rate will change,” said a consumer.

Fluctuating prices of different commodities especially shortage and rise in the rate of flour have put people in a miserable condition and they are very worried about the uncertain situation and what might be in store for them in the near future.

Surprisingly, the price of flour also varies from sector to sector, market to market and even shop to shop. Even in one and the same market, the price of atta is different. It ranges from Rs20 per kg to Rs27 per kg.

In the non-food items, candles are the most precious thing, perhaps due to the excessive loadshedding. Different sizes of candles which were being sold at Rs2 to Rs5 per piece are available at Rs15, Rs20, Rs25 and Rs30 per candle. In some areas, its price has shot up to Rs40, Rs50 and even Rs60 per candle.

Everywhere people can be found discussing price rises. Consumers who go for shopping can also be found talking about the unprecedented hike in prices.

In some places, there is even exchange of hot words between the customers and shopkeepers. There is constant fear amongst people that these prices might go up further.

Continuous power and gas loadshedding coupled with the increase in petrol and CNG prices have further added to the worries of people. But the worst-hit are the majority poor, unemployed and those who work on a daily wage basis and the low salaried class.