Mixed Trend Observed in Essential Kitchen Item Prices in Islamabad

A recent survey conducted in Islamabad revealed a mixed trend in the prices of essential kitchen items compared to the previous week.

Wheat Flour Prices Stable

The price of wheat flour remained consistent. The best quality wheat flour ex-mill is priced at Rs1,100 per 15kg bag, retailing at Rs1,150. Normal quality wheat flour is available at Rs1,000 per 15kg bag, selling at Rs1,050 in retail markets.

Impact of Wheat Flour Price Reduction

Following a significant decrease of Rs1,400 per 15kg bag in wheat flour prices over the past year, some tandoor owners in the twin cities have lowered prices for roti, naan, and paratha. In certain areas of the federal capital, roti is now available at Rs16 (previously Rs20), naan at Rs20 (previously Rs25), and paratha at Rs45 (previously Rs50).

Bakers Maintain Prices on Other Items

However, bakers have not reduced the prices of biscuit, bread, and confectionery items, which had seen substantial increases following the 2020 coronavirus crisis due to rising ghee/cooking oil and wheat flour prices. Over the past two years, cooking oil/ghee prices have decreased significantly. Dalda’s price dropped from Rs3,600 per 5kg to Rs2,700, and local ghee prices decreased from Rs8,800 per carton of 16 packs to Rs6,400.

Cooked Food Prices Unchanged

The prices of cooked food items have remained stable. A cooked daal/vegetable plate at a standard hotel costs Rs320, a cooked beef plate is priced at Rs550, a cooked chicken plate at Rs500, and cooked mutton at Rs750. Naan/roti is sold at Rs25/30.

Chicken Prices Increase

Chicken prices experienced an increase, rising from Rs11,200 to Rs13,800 per 40kg in the wholesale market. Retail prices have increased to Rs370 per kg, compared to the previous Rs320. Chicken meat prices also increased from Rs550 to Rs620 per kg.

Egg Prices Steady

Egg prices remained stable at Rs7,000 per carton of 30 dozen, with retail prices ranging from Rs250-260 per dozen.

Sugar Prices Rise

Sugar prices increased from Rs8,850 to Rs9,000 per 50kg bag in the wholesale market, retailing at Rs190 per kg.

Mutton and Beef Prices Consistent

Mutton and beef prices remained stable, with normal quality mutton available at Rs2,200 per kg, normal quality boneless beef at Rs1,400 per kg, and normal beef at Rs1,100 per kg.