The relentless rise in food prices continues to burden consumers, with minor fluctuations observed only in the cost of broiler chicken. According to recent reports, the official price of broiler chicken has experienced a slight decrease, now set at Rs 560 per kilogram after a reduction of Rs 3. The wholesale price for live broiler chicken stands at Rs 372 per kilogram, while the retail price is Rs 386 per kilogram. However, other essential food items, particularly vegetables and fruits, have seen significant price hikes, adding to the woes of consumers.
Broiler Chicken Prices
Despite the overall increase in food prices, broiler chicken has seen a marginal decrease in cost. The new official price of Rs 560 per kilogram reflects a Rs 3 reduction. In the wholesale market, live broiler chicken is priced at Rs 372 per kilogram, and in retail, it is sold at Rs 386 per kilogram. While this slight decrease offers some relief, it is not sufficient to offset the overall surge in food prices.
Rising Prices of Eggs
Farm eggs have seen a continuous increase, with the price per dozen now reaching Rs 255 after an increment of one rupee. The persistent rise in egg prices adds to the financial strain on households, especially those relying on eggs as a staple protein source.
Vegetable Price Surge
The official rate list reveals significant price increases for nine key vegetables. The price adjustments are as follows:
- Onions: Rs 150 per kilogram
- Tomatoes: Rs 240 per kilogram
- Garlic (Harnai): Rs 550 per kilogram
- Ginger (China): Rs 720 per kilogram
- Green Chillies: Rs 150 per kilogram
- Lemon (Desi): Rs 550 per kilogram
- Tinde (Desi): Rs 180 per kilogram
- Potatoes: Rs 120 per kilogram
- Fenugreek: Rs 280 per kilogram
Additional vegetables such as bitter gourd, cabbage, and cauliflower are being sold at Rs 160 per kilogram, turnips at Rs 180 per kilogram, okra and capsicum at Rs 180 per kilogram, arvi at Rs 280 per kilogram, and peas at Rs 400 per kilogram. These increases reflect the escalating cost of essential vegetables, making it challenging for consumers to afford daily necessities.
Fruit Prices on the Rise
Fruits, too, have not been spared from price hikes. The current market prices for various fruits are:
- Apples: Rs 400 per kilogram
- Bukhara Potatoes: Rs 300 per kilogram
- Apricots: Rs 220 per kilogram
- Peaches: Rs 280 per kilogram
- Mangoes: Rs 250 per kilogram
- Papayas: Rs 300 per kilogram
- Falsa: Rs 450 per kilogram
- Bananas: Rs 160 per dozen (first class) and Rs 120 per dozen (second class)
Market Discrepancies
Despite the official price listings, fruits and vegetables are being sold at even higher prices in the market, contrary to the regulated rates. This discrepancy between official and market prices further exacerbates the financial pressure on consumers, who are already struggling with rising living costs.
Impact on Consumers
The continuous increase in the prices of essential food items is a significant concern for consumers, especially those with limited incomes. The soaring costs of vegetables and fruits, coupled with the rising prices of eggs and other staples, pose a challenge to maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet. Families are forced to allocate a larger portion of their budget to food, often at the expense of other necessities.
The persistent rise in food prices highlights the urgent need for effective measures to control inflation and ensure affordability of essential commodities. While the slight decrease in broiler chicken prices offers minimal relief, the overall trend of escalating costs for vegetables, fruits, and other staples is alarming. It is crucial for authorities to address the underlying causes of these price hikes and implement strategies to stabilize the market, ensuring that consumers can access essential food items at reasonable prices.
