LAHORE/PESHAWAR: The prices of fruits and vegetables have soared in different cities ahead of Ramazan as profiteers began to exploit masses by putting up their desired rates.

With only two days left in the start of the holy month of Ramazan, the prices of food items have soared to unprecedented heights. The rates of fruits and vegetables have been increased by as much as Rs300.

In Lahore, banana, apple, peach and apricot are being sold at Rs200-300, while water melon at Rs35 per kilogram. Similarly, the prices of vegetables were also hiked with arum and ladyfinger being sold at Rs120 per kilogram.

On the other hand, Ramazan Bazars have been established at 31 different places in Lahore, offering sugar, flour and a few vegetables at a fair price.

The prices of commodities have also been hiked in Peshawar by Rs10-20. However, the provincial capital won't have a Ramazan Bazar this year as well.

The city mayor says the government does not have a policy to provide subsidy on different food items, adding that efforts are being made for availability of subsidised items all over the city.

Similar situation is being observed at markets in more or less every city across the country.

Citizens have been demanded respective provincial governments and concerned district authorities to take notice of the unjust price hike.

They urged for taking stern action against profiteers to provide relief to public during Ramazan.