‘Prices of vegetables, fruits soar in Baramulla’
Consumers allege shopkeepers of non-compliance with official rate lists
Baramulla, May 10: Consumers in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday complained about soaring prices of vegetables, fruits and other essentials in the holy month of Ramdhan
While alleging the authorities of leaving them at the mercy of profiteers and hoarders, the consumers said, “Greengrocers, shopkeepers and street vendors all are busy in fleecing poor customers as there is no mechanism in place to curb overpricing.”
A consumer, Fayaz Ahmad, said that no shopkeeper or street vendor is bothered about complying with the rate list issued by CAPD department. “As per the official price list, the government has fixed the price bananas between Rs 60 and 80 for open market but the fruit is being sold at the asking price of Rs90-Rs100 a dozen,” he added.
“In various markets across Baramulla, Tomato is being sold at Rs 80-90 per kg, while it was priced at Rs 30 to 40 before Ramdhan and similarly peas and beans are sold at Rs 70-80, potatoes and chicken at 150-170,” alleged customer.
They further alleged that no essential commodity is being sold on the rates fixed by government.
“The prices of essential commodities including fruits and vegetables have witnessed steep hike in the holy month and common people are pushed to wall” said Mohmmad Haris.
“The black marketing of the essential commodities is touching heights and people are made to suffer ruthlessly as authorities have failed to crack a whip against those who are found involved in black marketing in open, the government seems to have given an underhand approval to such a practice,” Chairman Human Aid Society Kashmir Bashir Ahmad Mir.
Despite repeated attempts, Assistant Director CAPD Baramulla could not be contacted, however an official of revenue department said that market checking is being conducted curb overpricing.
