ISLAMABAD: Spurred by falling temperature and short supply from neighbouring countries, dry fruit prices have gone up in markets of Islamabad. Similarly, the price of pulses has also witnessed an upward trend with the price of green moong pulse jumping to Rs15 per kg in the retail market.
The price of almond rose to Rs700 per kg from Rs350 per kg last week while the same commodity was traded at Rs450 per kg in the same period last year. Similarly, the price of walnut rose to Rs300 per kg which was available at Rs280 per kg last week.
Traders said short supply from Afghanistan and Iran and the drop in temperature have also contributed to the price hike. Cashew is available at Rs1,100-1,200 per kg in the local market which was available at Rs800-900 per kg last week.
The price of pistachio, which is largely imported from Iran, jumped to Rs1, 400 per kg from Rs800 per kg last week. Similarly, dry coconut is available at Rs280 to Rs300 per kg in the local market while the same commodity was available at Rs180 per kg last week.
A staggering increase in price of fig has also been witnessed this year and the commodity is being sold at Rs800 per kg against last year’s price of Rs350 per kg.
“The rising prices are due to short supply from Afghanistan and Iran,” said Aqeel Khan, a dry fruit trader. Meanwhile, the price of pulses including green moong, channa, mash and red lintels has also seen an upward trend with an increase of Rs200 to Rs250 per 40 kg in the local market during last week.
Internews
