KARACHI, Sept 6: Wholesale prices of vegetables, especially perishable items, have been enhanced by traders at the new Subzimandi linking it with disruption in supplies from the upcountry as a result of heavy rainfall.
However, wholesale price of onion and tomato did not witness any marked rise.
Ginger rate rose to Rs55 from 45 while garlic (whole) and (peeled) surged to Rs60 and Rs90 from Rs50 and Rs80 per kg, respectively.
Peas rate swelled to Rs170 from Rs150 per kg while green onion rate surged to Rs60 a kg from Rs50.
Wholesale rate of baby pumpkin rose to Rs80 from Rs40 on Tuesday while cucumber price rose to Rs55 from 40 per kg. Bottle gourd rate slightly went up by Rs5 to Rs35 from Rs30.
According to rates compiled by the vice chairman of Market Committee Sabziandi Asif Ahmed, cauliflower rate rose to Rs55 from Rs50 per kg followed by increase in cabbage rate to Rs25 from Rs20 per kg.
Wholesale rate of high quality onion did not show any fluctuation staying at Rs25-26 per kg while potato rate also ranged between Rs15-16 per kg. Tomato rates were hovering between Rs35-40 per kg.
In various areas, retailers were charging prices at their whim and cashed in on rains in view of demand and supply situation.
Tomato’s wholesale rate did not change at sabzimandi but in many areas, it was being sold at Rs50-70 per kg. Potato retail rate was quoted at Rs20-25 per kg, while onion was available at Rs40-50 per kg.
Lady finger wholesale rate remained unchanged at Rs50 per kg but retailers were charging Rs60-70 per kg.
Spinach is selling at Rs20 per kg while at sabzimandi its rate remained unchanged at Rs10. In other items, retailers enhanced the rate by at least Rs10-20 per kg.
President Falahi Anjuman Wholesale Vegetable Market Haji Shahjehan said arrival of trucks carrying vegetables from producing areas dropped by at least 50 per cent during the last two days as against their normal arrival of 900-1,000 vehicles a day.
He said wholesale vegetable prices may remain under pressure owing to supply constraint in case rains continue for another two to three days.