The lifting of the province-wide lockdown in Sindh on Monday failed to bring immediate relief to consumers, as prices of essential food items rose sharply in local markets by Wednesday.
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The increase was attributed by traders and market sources to a rumoured petrol shortage and the start of Muharram activities. At the same time, the Sindh government warned that stricter restrictions could be reintroduced if COVID-19 cases continued to rise.
Large shopping malls and grocery stores witnessed heavy crowds as residents queued outside waiting for their turn to purchase essential items.
The rush came amid concerns over rising prices and the possibility of further restrictions if the COVID-19 situation worsened.
The price of chicken increased to between Rs280 and Rs300 per kilogram, up from around Rs240 in local markets.
Beef was being sold for Rs700 to Rs850 per kilogram, significantly higher than the official rate of Rs350 per kilogram cited in the report.
The gap between official and market prices highlighted continued concerns over price control and enforcement.
Several commonly used vegetables and other kitchen items also became more expensive. Onions were being sold for Rs50–60 per kilogram, compared with the official price of Rs40.
Tomatoes were available at Rs50–60 per kilogram, while green chillies were priced at around Rs150–160 per kilogram.
Lemons were being sold for approximately Rs320 per kilogram, while cucumber prices ranged between Rs80 and Rs90 per kilogram.
A mixed trend was observed in the prices of grains and other grocery items.
Good-quality rice was being sold for around Rs160–220 per kilogram, while other varieties were available for approximately Rs120–140 and Rs150 per kilogram.
Pulses and beans were being sold in the range of Rs180 to Rs280 per kilogram, depending on the variety and quality.
The sharp increase in prices added to the financial pressure on consumers shortly after the province-wide lockdown was lifted.
