With increasing concerns over possible shortages of supply due to the lockdown, prices of pulses have increased up to 50pc.
Price of Split Bengal gram (channa) increased by Rs35/kg to Rs175/kg from Rs130. Green gram washed (moong) price rose from Rs260 to Rs290.
The price of split red lentil (masoor) rose to Rs180 from 130 and split-washed black gram (maash) rose by Rs35/kg to Rs250.
This spike in prices is alarming as the government exempted duties and taxes on import of food items to provide economic relief to the public last week. The Prime Minister Imran Khan also announced a cut on price of fuel by Rs 15 per liter in addition to providing cuts in utility bills. He further announced a multi-billion package to cater to the daily wage earners who are suffering due to the ongoing lockdown.
It appears that the rise is a result of exploitation carried out by marketers as demand for pulses has increased due to people providing ration bags to the poor.
On the other hand, rates of flour have decreased by Rs5 per kg and the new rate of flour No 2.5 is Rs42 per kg.
