ABBOTTABAD: Residents have complained of a sharp increase in prices of essential food items in Abbottabad with the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, raising concerns over market regulation and availability of subsidized goods.

According to citizens, fruit prices surged a day before Ramadan. Guava was reportedly sold at Rs250 per kilogram, apples at Rs350 per kilogram, bananas at Rs300 per dozen, malta at Rs300 per dozen, and pomegranates at Rs600 per kilogram in local markets.

The price of a 20-kilogram flour bag has reportedly reached Rs3,150, while government-subsidized flour was not available at several outlets in the city, residents said.

Citizens questioned the performance of the district administration, alleging that insufficient preparations were made to ensure price control and public relief during Ramadan. They claimed that the sudden increase in prices would particularly affect low-income families.

Some residents also expressed concern that while fines are being imposed during price inspections, effective relief measures have yet to translate into lower prices for consumers.

District authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the reported price hikes or availability of subsidized flour.