Essential Kitchen Item Prices Show Increasing Trend in Islamabad

A recent survey conducted in Islamabad reveals an upward trajectory in the prices of essential kitchen commodities compared to the previous week.

Sugar Availability and Pricing Issues

The survey highlighted the government’s struggle to maintain the official sugar rate of Rs172 per kg. Many retailers have either ceased selling sugar or are offering it at inflated prices, ranging from Rs200 to Rs210 per kg.

According to traders, the disparity stems from supply shortages by wholesalers. Millers are reportedly providing sugar at Rs9,100 per 50kg bag (Rs182 per kg), exceeding the government’s fixed retail price. This has resulted in retailers selling at a premium, with markups of Rs28-38 per kg.

Changes in Chicken and Egg Prices

Chicken prices have also seen an increase, rising from Rs15,000 to Rs15,600 per 40kg in the wholesale market. Consequently, retail prices have climbed to Rs420 per kg, up from Rs400 per kg, while chicken meat is being sold for Rs670-700 per kg. Egg prices have increased from Rs7,500 to Rs7,800 per carton (30 dozen), with retail prices now at Rs285-290 per dozen compared to Rs275-280 previously.

Wheat Flour and Cooked Food Prices Remain Stable

Wheat flour prices have remained consistent, with the best quality ex-mill flour available at Rs1,100 per 15kg bag, retailing at Rs1,150. Normal quality flour is priced at Rs1,000 ex-mill and Rs1,050 retail. Roti, naan, and paratha prices are also stable, with roti ranging from Rs16 to Rs20, naan at Rs20-25, and paratha at Rs45. However, one restaurant chain continues to sell paratha at Rs60.

Notably, bakeries have increased the prices of biscuits, bread, and confectionery despite flour prices decreasing by over 56% and ghee/cooking oil prices reducing by over 31%. Over the past two years, top-quality cooking oil/ghee prices have decreased by 25%, while normal ghee prices have dropped by 31%.

Cooked food prices remain unchanged, with a daal/vegetable plate at Rs320, beef plate at Rs550, chicken plate at Rs500, mutton plate at Rs750, and naan/roti at Rs25/30.

Mutton, Beef, and Fish Prices Steady

Mutton and beef prices have held steady, with normal quality mutton at Rs2,200 per kg, boneless beef at Rs1,400 per kg, and normal beef at Rs1,100 per kg. Fish varieties are available between Rs500 and Rs900 per kg.

Tea, Pulses, and Spices Prices Unchanged

Tea prices remain consistent, with Lipton Yellow Label at Rs2,200 per 900 grams and Islamabad Tea at Rs1,800 per kg. Turmeric powder is priced at Rs650 per kg, and red chili powder at Rs800 per kg. Pulses prices are also stable, with various types ranging from Rs250 to Rs500 per kg.

Branded spices are available at Rs140 per 39 grams pack. Rice prices are steady, with the best quality basmati at Rs13,500 per 40kg bag wholesale and Rs380 per kg retail.

Ghee, Cooking Oil, and Milk Prices Stable

B-grade ghee/oil is available at Rs6,300 per carton wholesale, retailing at Rs420 per 900 grams pack. Top-quality cooking oil/ghee is priced at Rs2,750 per 5kg tin wholesale and Rs2,850 retail. Packed milk brands are stable at Rs2,350 per carton, with retail prices at Rs95 per 250ml and Rs370 per liter. Fresh milk is sold at Rs220-230 per kg, and yogurt at Rs250 per kg. Powder milk prices remain unchanged.

Soaps, Detergents, and Cold Drinks Prices Consistent

Bathing soap prices are stable, with family-size Safeguard at Rs160 and other brands at Rs150 per pack. Detergent prices also remain consistent at Rs570 per kg pack. Cold drink prices are unchanged, with a family-size bottle at Rs230.

LPG Overcharging Persists

Despite the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) fixing LPG at Rs233 per kg, retailers continue to sell 15kg domestic cylinders at Rs4,000, exceeding the fixed price by Rs505 per cylinder.