QUETTA: Two weeks before the start of Ramadhan, basic commodity prices have begun to increase in several cities of Balochistan.

The prices of vegetables, lentils, rice, milk, meat and other commodities have increased by up to 25%. Milk prices went up from Rs100 per liter to Rs115 per liter whereas the price of yogurt increased from Rs110 per kg to Rs130 per kg.

The price of safed channa (white chickpeas) increased from Rs190 per kg to Rs210 per kg, along with prices of daal mash (white lentils) which increased by Rs30 to Rs200 per kg.

The price of cooking oil has risen by Rs20 per liter from Rs200 to Rs220. Ghee prices increased from Rs180 per kg to Rs210 per kg. High quality rice is now being sold at 240 per kg, which is Rs40 more expensive than its previous price. Wheat prices have increased by Rs60 and now cost Rs900 per 20kg.

Chicken is being sold at Rs300 per kg. Its old price was Rs260 per kg. So far, the government hasn’t taken any steps to control the price of essential commodities.

In other Muslims countries of the world, essential commodities available with discount rates even relief on goods also available in Non-Muslim countries, but in Pakistan, the hoarders and profiteers make Ramazan for getting maximum profits and consider this month the month of profiteering.

The shopkeepers blamed the wholesalers for the increase in prices while the public criticizing the price control committees for not performing their duties properly.

The local administration and price control committees failed to maintain the prices of daily use. The price of basic necessities of life including vegetables, meat and milk has increased manifold.

Vendors and shopkeepers charging enormously on daily items and people are forced to buy due to unavailability of any substitute option.

Vegetable and fruit vendors acknowledged about the sharp increase in prices of some of the vegetables.

Besides vegetables, the price of fruits including mango, apricot and plums goes up to before the advent of Ramazan.