Srinagar, Aug 20: The skyrocketing prices of daily use commodities including fuels, fruits, milk, meat and vegetables have irked consumers who have expressed anguish over failure of administration to control price-hike in the valley.
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A market survey conducted by this scribe here on Saturday revealed that one dozen ‘Banana’ and one kilogram melon are being sold at Rs 100-120 and Rs120-150 in city markets whereas one kilogram of grapes is being sold at Rs220, which are beyond purchasing power of middle class.
Locals in Kashmir said with the latest sharp rise in the vegetable prices, they were finding it difficult to make ends meet and it would put more burdens on their monthly household budget.
Sameer Ahmad, a resident of old city, said that earlier the spike in prices of oil and pulses and now the rise in the cost of vegetables made his kitchen budget go awry.
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“The government should curb the rise in prices of everyday items,” he said.
Consumers are already irritated by price increases in important commodities like cooking oil, but the increasing prices of veggies have just contributed to their worries. They accuse the concerned authorities of being mute on the subject, causing the people to suffer at the hands of vegetable vendors.
Tomatoes, beans, drumsticks, and ladyfingers are among the most commonly consumed veggies, and their prices are steadily rising. “What should one do with tomatoes and peas selling for Rs 100 per kg, collards greens, chillies for Rs 70, French beans for Rs 100 a kilogramme?, what could we expect in the days ahead of winters?” another resident said.
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Another city resident Ghulam Nabi said, “Vegetables are an essential commodity and hike in their prices affects the monthly budget of any income group. Without a doubt, single-earning hand families with limited income will be the most affected. The government seems to have failed to deliver its promise of easing problems of people.
The consumers and people have requested Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and other senior officials of district administration to make a close check on price of daily commodities and take strict action against profiteers and hoarders imperative for provision of all essential items to Consumers at affordable rate. (CNS)
