Residents  in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have complained that the shopkeepers and vegetable sellers are selling items at exorbitant rates in the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.

Complaints came from Ganderbal, Wusan, Prang, Kangan, Haripora, Kangan, Murgund, Gund, Rayil, Kullan, Gagangeer, Lar, and Watlar, Dursuma, who informed that the district administration has failed to provide better facilities during Ramadan.

They said the prices of edibles have increased much during the holy month. They alleged that vegetables like potatoes are being sold at Rs. 40 per kg, tomatoes at Rs. 40 per kg, and peas at Rs. 50 to 60 per kg, and onions at Rs. 50 per kg, while the meat is being sold at Rs. 600 to 650 per kg to consumers. The consumer affairs department’s market checking squads are not visible anywhere in these areas, and the shopkeepers and vegetable sellers are taking advantage of it, they said.

“Even chicken is being sold at exorbitant rates. If you inquire about chicken rates, you will find a lot of variation from shopkeeper to shopkeeper,” a local from main Ganderbal said.

Another local Bilal Ahmad said that wholesalers in Parimpora Mandi themselves hike vegetable rates, and the shopkeepers also increase the rates.

They have appealed to the district administration to look into the matter.