Prices of 34 commodities up in April

  • Sweeteners, fruit, meat and cooked items register increase in prices
  • Decline in prices of some pulses and condiments

A report based on prices at 175 retail outlets in 98 districts across Pakistan

ISLAMABAD, May 3: The prices of 34 commodities went up, 12 came down while six remained unchanged in April 2012 as compared to the preceding month, says a Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) report released Thursday.

FAFEN retail price monitors collected prices of 52 commodities and services from 175 retail outlets in 98 districts on April 10, 2012.

The report said vegetables and fruit had the biggest change in prices with tomatoes and potatoes registering an increase of 125% and 28%. However, onions were down 23%, it said.

On the other hand the prices of all the observed fruit increased with kinnow shooting up 35%, followed by bananas (21%) and dark red and golden apples (5% each).

Among pulses, there was a mixed trend as prices of black gram increased by 4%, gram pulse and white beans 3% each and red beans 2% while those of masoor fell 2%, mung 2% and mash 1%.

On the spices and condiments side, the price of salt powder was up 4% and that of turmeric by 2% whereas garlic and ginger recorded a 7% and 5% decline in prices.

There was a 12% hike in price of broiler chicken live and 11% rise in broiler chicken meat. Eggs, however, registered a 22% fall. The prices of mutton and beef went up by 2% and 1%.

The crop calendar was cited as the reason for increase in prices of sugarcane products – desi shaker (2%), gur (1%) and sugar (1%).

The prices of some kitchen fuels also went up – kerosene oil by 3% and firewood 1% but that of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) decreased by 9%.

A 2% increase in price of fresh milk was recorded with yoghurt also going up 1%. A rise in prices of sweeteners and milk is said to be the reason for a 2% increase in price of a cup of tea. The prices of other cooked items also went up – plates of dal and vegetables by 3% each.

Of the rice varieties, only the price of basmati-386 increased 1% while that of irri-6 decreased 1% but that of basmati broken remained unchanged.

On the other hand, wheat grain and flour each increased 1%.

Of the observed medical services, the cost of blood test (complete picture) was up 1%, but that of blood sugar and urine tests (routine examination) decreased by 2% and 1%.

Among medicines, the price of Panadol (10-tablets) increased 3% whereas no change was observed in the average price of Disprin (10-tablets).