A comparison of prices between Feb 1 and March 1, 2007, showed an unusual jump in prices of all varieties of rice because of huge international demand of Pakistani rice caused by low production of Indian basmati, coupled with anticipation of production fall in various local varieties of rice by 15-20 per cent this year.

In branded ghee and cooking oil, all the producers have already alarmed the general public of an increase in prices (Rs4.8 to Rs6 per kg / litre) from March in view of rising palm olein prices in the world market.

So far, the government is playing the role of a silent spectator as branded packers have made the third increase in prices in the last six months.

Poultry industry people have also been playing a `game of demand and supply gap’ since January 2007.

If the current poultry price of Rs88 per kg is taken into consideration, the net increase comes to Rs20 per kg since January.

Neither the federal government, nor the provincial governments have taken measures to find the ground reality from stakeholders who are bent upon playing havoc with prices.

The prices of vegetables remained pegged to Feb 1 level because of frequent supplies from production areas, coupled with the start of new crop and regular imports.

Onion prices remained stable at Rs20 per kg as of last month due to arrival of the commodity from Punjab’s new crop, while Sindh crop is also catering for the countrywide consumption.

Source: DAWN