Srinagar, Mar 03 (KNO): Amidst the holy month of Ramadhan, the people across Kashmir have voiced concerns over the skyrocketing prices of essential items, particularly fruits, vegetables, and other daily necessities.
Locals from various districts including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Pulwama, Anantnag, Shopian, Baramulla, and Kupwara expressed their concerns, stating, "Vegetables and fruits have become almost unaffordable for the common man. We urge the authorities, especially the Food and Safety Department, to form squads and conduct regular checks throughout the month of Ramadhan. Who is allowing the vendors to raise prices, and why there is no check at all which they claim have made staple items increasingly unaffordable for many, especially during the fasting month.”
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the residents said that fruits commonly consumed during Ramadhan, such as oranges, grapes, pineapples, pomegranates, and bananas, have seen a sharp increase in prices. Similarly vegetables including potatoes, brinjal, peas, capsicum, tomatoes, Onion have also become more expensive.
Locals expressed frustration, pointing out that the vendors, many of whom use load carriers to sell their goods, have raised their prices, further burdening lower-income families.
“This is a time of spiritual reflection and fasting, but the rising prices are making it very difficult for people to afford basic items,” said a resident of Srinagar. “The sellers know that people need these items for iftar and sehri, and they are exploiting that need to make extra profit.”
Residents are urging authorities to step in and regulate prices to ensure that essential goods remain affordable, especially during this sacred month of Ramadhan. Many are calling for action to prevent price manipulation and ensure that the holy month remains accessible to all, regardless of financial status.
Locals said, “The authorities should monitor the markets closely and verify the rate lists of shopkeepers. This exploitation during Ramadhan is unacceptable. With the commencement of Ramadhan, Kashmir's markets have become bustling with shoppers, and shopkeepers have allegedly taken this opportunity to inflate the prices of essential commodities, causing distress among consumers.”
Gulzar Ahmad, a local told KNO, “Marketing checks are happening everywhere, but unfortunately, while they check rate lists and other details,and they sell on own rates no strict action is taken against shopkeepers who fail to follow the listed prices.”
“We remain hopeful that swift action will be taken to address the issue and ensure that essential items remain available at reasonable prices throughout the holy month,” he said—(KNO)