NAUNDERO: The prices of essential commodities have skyrocketed in Naundero and have gone beyond the reach of common men, specially labourers and daily wagers, it was learnt here on Wednesday.
Shopkeeper Seth Choith Mal Rohra said that lowest quality rice was sold previously at Rs2200 per 25 kg and now it is available at Rs3500. He said the same rice was available at Rs60-70 per kg but is being sold in the retail market at Rs130 per kg. He said wheat flour was sold between Rs65 per kg and its bag cost was Rs2600 but it is being sold at Rs4000 per 38 kg and Rs110 per kg. He said that after 12pm the market remains empty as if there is no buyer and procurement gains momentum in the evening. He said that there is no doubt that the items of daily use have home very high due to which labourers suffer very badly who earn between Rs600-700 per day.
He said that rates of even lentils have gone beyond the reach of a poor man which are sold in the retail market at exorbitant prices. He said that Daal Channa was sold at Rs160 per kg which is being sold at Rs320, Mahri has gone from rs150 to 350, Matter 120 to 280, Mong 180 to 320, Besan 120 to 300, tea 850 kg to 1120, lux soap 65 to 110, detergent 250 to 550, 400 ml shampoo 380 to 580, dental pest from 180 to 280-300, washing soap 50 to 80, sugar 65 to Rs100.
He said that salaries and daily wages are the same but the prices of daily use items have been enhanced without any check by the relevant authorities who are sleeping. He said that if these items are supplied at cheaper rates then the prices will automatically be reduced. He said that prices of fruit and vegetables have also gone high and the worst affected are those who use dry fruit in sizzling and shivering cold waves.
He said that conditions would have been worse had the government taken no relief work of giving Rs25000 at the outset to the devastating flood and rain victims. He said the government should regularly take foolproof legal action against profiteers and hoarders without loss of time to bring down the rates of essential commodities till the economy improves otherwise, he feared, things would become out of control and inflation would continue as it has already hit hard the poor