Essential Kitchen Items Show Downward Trend in Islamabad

A recent survey indicates that the prices of most essential kitchen commodities have decreased compared to the previous week. This assessment was conducted in Islamabad.

Merchants and wholesalers across various markets in the twin cities noted price reductions in several key kitchen staples. These include chicken, onions, garlic, potatoes, masoor lentils, cooking oil, and vegetable ghee, all showing a decline over the past week.

Conversely, the survey identified price increases for tomatoes, eggs, and moong lentils.

Detailed Price Changes
  • Chicken: Wholesale prices fell from Rs16,800 to Rs16,500 per 40kg. Retail prices are now Rs445-440 per kg, down from Rs450. Chicken meat decreased from Rs700 to Rs680 per kg.
  • Eggs: Prices rose from Rs8,000 to Rs8,200 per carton of 30 dozen in wholesale. Retail prices increased to Rs300-310 per dozen from Rs290-300.
  • Sugar: Wholesale prices edged up from Rs8,550 to Rs8,600 per 50 kg bag. Retail prices are between Rs178-182 per kg.
  • Wheat Flour: Prices remained steady. Best quality ex-mill flour is at Rs1,100 per 15kg bag, retailing at Rs1,150. Normal quality flour is at Rs1,020, retailing at Rs1,070 per bag.
Pulse Price Variations

Pulse prices showed a mixed pattern:

  • Maash pulse: Rs440 per kg
  • Gram pulse: Rs300 per kg
  • Whole gram pulse: Rs270 per kg
  • Bean lentils: Rs450-550 per kg
  • Moong pulse: Rs400 per kg
  • Masoor pulse: Rs280 per kg
Rice Prices Stable

Rice prices remained consistent:

  • Best quality basmati (wholesale): Rs12,800 per 40kg bag, retailing at Rs350 per kg
  • Normal quality basmati (wholesale): Rs11,000 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs310 per kg
  • Broken basmati (wholesale): Rs8,500 per 40kg bag, retailing at Rs235 per kg
Ghee and Cooking Oil Prices Decline

B-grade ghee/oil is now available at Rs5,900 per carton of 16 packs wholesale, retailing at Rs450 per 900-gram pack. Top-tier brands are priced at Rs2,700 per 5kg tin/bottle.

Milk Prices Steady

Prices for packed milk brands remained stable at Rs2,250 per carton wholesale, with 250ml packs retailing at Rs90.

Vegetable and Fruit Market Trends

Vegetable and fruit prices generally decreased. Potatoes wholesale are between Rs1,800-3,200 per quintal, retailing at Rs40-50 per kg. Onion prices dropped from Rs1,700-3,000 to Rs1,500-2,900 per quintal wholesale, retailing at Rs40-45 per kg (previously Rs45-50). Tomato prices increased, now retailing at Rs50-60 per kg (previously Rs40-50).

Garlic Prices Fall

China garlic decreased from Rs1,150 to Rs1,050 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs280-300 per kg, down from Rs300-320.

Mixed Fruit Price Trends

Local apples are priced between Rs150-400 per kg (previously Rs130-350). Banana prices increased from Rs90-220 to Rs100-250 per dozen. Melons are being sold for Rs40-80 per kg (previously Rs40-100).