With the first 10 days of Ramazan coming to a close, inflation in Rawalpindi remains unchecked, and the gap between official price lists and actual market rates keeps widening.

The provincial government, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s directives, has set up Ramadan bazaars with slightly lower prices, but shoppers are far from satisfied, complaining about the quality of goods.

Sugar is available at a subsidised rate of Rs130 per kilogramme in these markets, but the catch is that each customer can only buy a single kilogramme per CNIC.

Frustrated by skyrocketing prices, many citizens have turned to these bazaars, only to be disappointed by subpar produce.

A quick comparison of market rates versus Ramazan bazaars paints a clear picture of the inflation crisis.

Essentials like potatoes, onions, and tomatoes are significantly cheaper in the bazaars, but items like garlic, ginger, and green chilies remain expensive.

Fruits follow a similar pattern, with apples, oranges, and guavas selling at lower prices in the subsidised markets.

Poultry prices continue to climb, with live chicken going for Rs460 per kg in the open market compared to Rs404 per kg in Ramazan bazaars, while chicken meat fluctuates between Rs750 and 800 per kg in regular shops but costs Rs575 per kg in the government-run markets.

Eggs are slightly cheaper in the Ramazan bazaars but still burden consumers at Rs282 per dozen.

Despite the minor relief in Ramazan bazaars, residents argue that the one-kilogramme sugar limit is impractical, urging the government to increase it to at least 2.5 to 5 kg per household to accommodate Ramazan necessities.