Retail prices of onions, tomatoes and potatoes in Pakistan up 14%, 12% and 6%, respectively, in September compared with August, according to report; prices for bananas, dark red apples and golden apples down 36%, 27% and 24%, respectively

Nevin Barich

KARACHI, Pakistan , October 13, 2012 (Pakistan Press International) – The prices of vegetables increased in September as compared with August - onions up 14%, tomatoes (12%) and potatoes (6%), a Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) report says.

The report released on Thursday said the July-September 2012 quarter saw a continuous increase in vegetable prices.

FAFEN Retail Price Monitors visited 188 retail outlets in 107 districts to gather data on prices of 52 commodities. The statistics show 29 commodities registered a price hike in September; nine decreased and 11 remained constant.

Like the preceding month, fruit prices fell in the observed period - bananas (36%), dark red apples (27%) and golden apples (24%).

The prices of rice varieties went down too, by 1% but those of most pulses remained unchanged. However, red and white beans increased 2% and 1% while washed moong pulse declined 2%.

Among poultry and meat products, farm eggs went up 12%, and beef and mutton (2%). However, chicken live and chicken meat saw a 14% and 11% decline in prices.

In the spices and condiments category prices of all items increased except for ginger that fell 1%. Garlic went up 6%, turmeric (3%), salt powder (2%) and red chili powder (1%). Cooked items registered a price hike - plain chapatti up 3%, and plates of cooked dal, beef and vegetables 1% each. However, a cup of hot tea fell 3%.

The prices of wheat flour (5%), wheat grain (4%) and desi shaker (4%) also increased but those of gur and sugar remained unchanged.

Similarly, all kitchen fuels including LPG, kerosene oil and firewood saw an increase in prices by 9%, 5% and 1% respectively.

On the medicines and medical services side, cost of blood sugar and urine tests (routine examination) increased 2% each and price of Panadol (10-tablets) rose 1%. However, cost of blood test (complete picture) decreased 1%.

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