LAHORE, Dec 8: Ramazan and Sunday Bazaars helped in keeping the prices of essential commodities in the Punjab lower during the holy month of fasting this year as compared to last year.

The consumers were able to purchase their requirements from Special Ramazan and Sunday Bazaars at much lower prices than the open market.

Holding of the bazaars also discouraged the blackmarketing trend prevalent among the shopkeepers during the holy month.

Gram pulse was available for Rs31 per kg this year against Rs35 last year. Masoor pulse was available for Rs34 per kg this year against Rs39 per kg last year.

Mash pulse was sold for Rs35 per kg this year against last year’s price of Rs40 per kg. Moong pulse was sold for Rs27 per kg this year against the last year’s price of Rs30 per kg.

Sugar was available for Rs21 per kg last year but was available for Rs20 per kg this year.

Potatoes were sold for an average Rs10 per kg last year but were available for Rs9 per kg this year.

Live broiler chicken was available for Rs50 per kg during Ramazan last year but available for Rs45 per kg this year.

Onion price reduced from last year’s Rs8 per kg to Rs7 per kg this year. Red chili powder was sold for Rs84 per kg last year and Rs69 per kg this year.

Baisan (gram flour) was available for Rs32 per kg this year against Rs37 per kg last year.

Atta and vegetable ghee prices were also reduced under the Ramazan Package of the government.

Vegetable ghee manufacturers reduced the prices by Re1 to Rs3 per kg whereas a special discount of Rs30 per 20 kg bag was offered on atta bags sold in Ramazan and Sunday Bazaars and fair price shops.