SWABI, Oct 3: Local traders have increased prices of all essential commodities and fruits before arrival of Ramazan in utter disregard of the price list issued by the local administration on daily basis.

The traders have flagrantly violated the price list but none of them has so far been fined or put behind the bars. A few violators were arrested but were soon released.

Use of liquid petroleum gas (LPG) in the area usually increases in the Holy month of Ramazan. The traders have seized the opportunity and increased LPG price by Rs10 per kg. A couple of days ago LGP was selling at Rs50 per kg but now it is available at Rs60 per kg in the market.

Similarly flour was being sold for Rs250 per 20-kg bag a few days ago which is now selling at Rs 260 per 20-kg bag.

The prices of pluses have also been increased by Rs3-5 per kg while due to their high prices fruits have gone out of the reach of middle and lower class. Grapes are selling at Rs50 per kg against its list-price of Rs40 per kg. In the same way prices of apples, bananas and other fruits have also shot up.

In the vegetable market cauliflower has become very expensive item and is being sold at Rs20 per kg. Prices of ganger, ladyfinger, onion, garlic, tomato, potato and other vegetables are also unusually high.