N.H.ZUBERI

KARACHI: The rates of onion have sky-rocketed, with the profiteers and hoarders looking to gain maximum benefits from people’s helplessness.

Onion rates have registered the sharp increase in the last few days regardless of import from neighbouring countries.

Retailers are demanding Rs100 to 150 per kg, depending on size and quality, as well as the buyers’ areas, against Rs25-30 per kg before Eid-ul Azha.

Retailers complained of onions’ short supply and blamed wholesalers for the rise in retail rates.

Wholesalers attribute the increase in onion rates to the short supply from Sindh.

Meanwhile, tomato prices have increased to Rs70 per kg, from last week’s Rs40 per kg. The rates of turai and bottle gourd (loki) have gone up to Rs60 and Rs70 per kg from Rs40 per kg. Green chilies are selling at Rs100 per kg and garlic at Rs180 per kg.