HYDERABAD, Oct 16: Prices of different edibles, including fruits, mutton and chicken, have registered a sharp increase with the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan.

As a result fruit and meat sellers had a field day on Saturday as the district government failed to provide any relief to buyers.

A visit to market revealed that no price lists were available with grocery and meat merchants as well as fruit and vegetable sellers.

Prior to Ramazan prices of pomegranate, watermelon, apple golden and its other varieties were available on a reasonable rate.

Pomegranate was being sold 10 days before for Rs30 to Rs35 per kg but it is being sold at Rs50 to Rs60.

The buyers are having apple golden at Rs30 now it is being sold at Rs40 per kg contrary to official price of Rs32.

The district government failed to enforce its writ over meat merchants who openly flouted its directives of selling mutton at Rs160 to Rs170 though rates were fixed by the DCO after holding a meeting with meat merchant association on Oct 13.

Mutton is being sold at Rs180 per kilogram without displaying the lists.

The district government had fixed prices of beef at Rs80 and beef (boneless) at Rs90 but it is being sold at Rs100 and Rs120, respectively.

Prices of chicken have been increased by close to 16 per cent.

It is being sold for Rs100 against its previous rates of Rs85 per kg.

DDO revenue Mustafa Jamal Kazi who would be supervising auction of fruits and vegetables throughout Ramazan expressed his displeasure over the market committee's attitude when he was informed that price lists were not available in the market.

It may be mentioned that the vigilance network of the district government has always remained ineffective as it remains busy in cosmetic exercise than to ensure fair prices following a fair auction of fruits.