Rain, transport strike raise food prices

Supply disruption widens gap between notified and retail rates With food inflation remaining volatile and energy prices facing global and domestic uncertainties, economists warn that price stability in the coming months will depend on supply chain management, fiscal discipline and policy coordination. photo: file Ongoing monsoon rains and a strike by goods transporters have disrupted supplies of essential perishables, putting pressure on food prices as vegetables, fruits and poultry products continued to sell above official rates across the provincial metropolis. Consumers faced a widening gap between government-notified prices and actual retail rates, with a majority of vegetables, fruits and poultry products remaining unavailable at the rates issued by the district administration. The impact of the rains and transport disruptions was particularly visible in perishable commodities, with difficulties in transportation and higher handling costs contributing to fluctuations in wholesale and retail markets. Retail prices of many items remained substantially above notified rates, adding to the burden.on household budgets. Despite the daily issuance of official rate lists and market monitoring, retailers continued to sell a large number of essential commodities at considerably higher prices. Poultry prices recorded a sharp increase during the week. The official rate of live chicken rose by Rs35 per kg to Rs344–358, while chicken meat increased by Rs51 to Rs519 per kg. Despite the notified rate, chicken meat was sold at Rs550–630 per kg. Boneless chicken remained particularly expensive at Rs850–1,000 per kg. Vegetable prices showed a mixed trend, although most perishables recorded increases. Sugar-free potatoes were fixed at Rs32–35 per kg but sold at Rs50–70. The notified rate for local tomatoes fell by Rs35 to Rs195–205 per kg, but retailers charged Rs300–400. Onion prices increased by Rs10 to Rs155–165 per kg but were sold at Rs180–220. Local garlic remained officially priced at Rs152–160 per kg but retailed at Rs200–250, while Chinese garlic sold for Rs600 per kg. Thai ginger was reduced by Rs5 to Rs330–345 but retailed at Rs450–500, while Chinese ginger remained at Rs320–335 and sold for Rs400–450. Brinjal was reduced by Rs10 to Rs85–90 but retailed at Rs140–160. Local lemons increased by Rs10 to Rs142–150 and sold at Rs200–250. Green chillies stayed at Rs114–120 but retailed at Rs150–160, while capsicum remained at Rs286–300 and sold for Rs400. Fruit prices also remained considerably above official rates.