SWABI: As the holy month of Ramazan is approaching profiteers have increased prices of kitchen commodities considerably, putting an extra burden on the poor consumers who are already hit hard by inflation.

Just over a week before commencing of Ramazan, price of chicken has been increased by Rs30 per kilogramme across the district. Three days ago, chicken was available at Rs160 per kg, but the price was hiked to Rs170 per kg on Monday only to be sold at Rs190 per kg on Sunday.

Retailers did not rule out more increase in prices of essential items in coming days.

Consumers said on Monday chicken and meat were the two commodities greatly used in Ramazan, but increase in their prices had great financial impact on them.

They said shopkeepers were well aware of the fact that the people had started purchasing different commodities for Ramazan, they had the golden opportunity to fleece them.

Ajmal Khan, a chicken seller, said the price increase was because their suppliers had raised the rates.

Umer Khan of Topi city said he wanted to purchase chicken but changed his mind because of its high price.

In addition, the butchers are flagrantly violating the TMA’s price list and charging consumers Rs50 more than the fixed price for each kilogramme of beef.

The rates of vegetables and fruits have also been hiked, with the shopkeepers having removed the price lists from their outlets before Ramazan to fleece consumers at will. Hassan Zia of Maneri Bala said it was responsibility of the district administration to arrest unjust increase in prices of eatables before the start of the holy month.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2018