A report based on prices collected from 196 retail outlets in 108 districts

ISLAMABAD, September 17: Data collected for August shows the prices of 21 commodities went up as compared with the preceding month while those of 18 came down and 12 remained unchanged, says a Free and Fair Election Network (FAFEN) report.

The report released Monday said FAFEN Retail Price Monitors observed prices of 52 commodities and services at 196 retail outlets in 108 districts. The statistics reveal vegetable prices increased in Ramazan – tomatoes up 69%, onions 24% and potatoes 9%.

However, fruit prices declined in the reporting month as compared with those recorded in July – dark red apples down 31%, golden apples 30% and bananas per dozen 6%.

Among poultry and meat items, only the price of farm eggs registered a 7% increase. Live broiler chicken and chicken meat fell 19% and 18% while beef and mutton saw no change, the report said.

Rice varieties basmati-386 and irri-6 went up 2% and 1% but the price of basmati broken remained unchanged.

On the pulses side, black gram and red beans each recorded a 1% increase while washed mash and washed masoor pulses dropped 3% and washed moong by 2%. The prices of gram pulse, chickpeas and white beans remained constant. A hike of 3% and 1% was seen in wheat grain and wheat flour prices.

In the spices and condiments category, only garlic went up 1% while all other items saw a decline – turmeric (loose) and red chili powder dropping 5% each, ginger 3% and salt powder 1%.

 The prices of hot tea (one cup) and a plate of cooked vegetables increased 5% each. Similarly, a plate of cooked dal also went up 4%. Yogurt and fresh milk registered a hike of 2% and 1%.

Desi shaker fell 2% but gur and sugar prices remained unchanged.  Branded vegetable ghee, cooking oil and mustard oil (loose) dropped 1% each.

Also down were the prices of some kitchen fuels like LPG (11%) and kerosene oil (3%).