With Ramazan just around the corner, prices of essential food items have surged in Karachi, putting additional pressure on household budgets already strained by inflation.Meanwhile, Ramazan bazaars set up across Punjab are offering only marginal relief, with price differences of just a few rupees compared to official rates.In Karachi markets, the prices of key Ramazan staples such as gram (channa), gram flour (besan), and cooking oil have increased significantly over the past two to three weeks, according to shopkeepers.

Besan, which was previously available at Rs240 is now being sold between Rs260 and Rs320 per kg. Daal channa is priced between Rs250 and Rs280 per kg, while white channa is available at Rs350 to Rs450 per kg as compared to the previous Rs300. The price of black channa has jumped sharply from Rs175 per kg to Rs280 per kg. Various brands of cooking oil have also become more expensive, with an increase of Rs20 to Rs30 per litre. Shopkeepers say the hike has occurred gradually over the past two to three weeks.

Women buyers, in particular, have expressed concern as household budgets begin to run out due to inflation.Across Punjab, including Lahore, Ramazan bazaars have been decorated and are now active. Convenience bazaars have been granted the status of Ramazan bazaars. However, despite expectations of relief, the reduction in prices of vegetables and fruits remains minimal — only Rs2 to Rs5 less than the official DC rates. 

In Ramazan bazaars, vegetables are being sold slightly cheaper than official market rates. Potatoes are sold at Rs18 per kg in Ramazan bazaars compared to their official rate of Rs20. Onions are available at Rs58 instead of Rs60, and tomatoes at Rs88 instead of Rs90. The official rate of capsicum is Rs150, while it is being sold for Rs148 in the Ramazan bazaar. Similarly, the rate of moongray has been set at Rs125, while the Ramazan bazaar is selling it for Rs123.  

Chillies are priced at Rs148 compared to Rs150 in the market, while turnips are being sold at Rs123 instead of Rs125. Similarly, ginger, garlic, and lemons have been reduced by only Rs5 from the official rates. Other vegetables, including potatoes, onions, tomatoes, turnips, bitter gourds, pumpkins and carrots, are being sold at just Rs2 less than the government rate. Fruit prices in Ramazan bazaars have also seen only minor reductions. Grapes are priced at Rs435 compared to the government rate of Rs440.

Kandahari pomegranates are available at Rs625 instead of Rs630. Melons are being sold at Rs175 against the official rate of Rs180, while Kalakolo apples are priced at Rs415 compared to Rs420. Guava prices also show almost no difference, being sold at Rs145 in Ramazan bazaars, with their official rate being Rs140.Some relief is visible in meat and poultry sections. Chicken is being sold at Rs451 per kg, Rs10 lower than the official rate of Rs461. 

Mutton has been reduced by Rs50, with a sale price of Rs1,550 per kg compared to the government rate of Rs1,600. Beef is available at Rs750 per kg in Ramazan bazaars against the official rate of Rs800. Meanwhile, sugar in the open market is priced between Rs155 and Rs160 per kg, while Ramazan bazaars are offering it at Rs140. Despite the establishment of Ramazan bazaars, the overall relief remains limited as essential commodities in Karachi have already seen significant price hikes before the holy month.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)