Essential Kitchen Items Show Price Increase in Recent Survey

A recent survey conducted in Islamabad reveals that the prices of essential kitchen commodities have generally increased over the past week. The study highlights challenges consumers face due to rising costs.

Sugar Prices Defy Official Rates

The survey indicated the government’s struggle to maintain sugar availability at the fixed rate of Rs172 per kg. Shopkeepers are commonly selling sugar between Rs200 and Rs210 per kg. Traders have indicated purchasing sugar at Rs 9,050 per 50kg bag, leading to a retail price of Rs200 per kg.

Wheat Flour Prices on the Rise

Wheat flour prices have also experienced an upward trend. The ex-mill price for a 15kg bag of premium quality wheat flour increased from Rs 1,100 to Rs 1,300, with retail prices reaching Rs 1,350 (previously Rs 1,150). Similarly, the price of normal quality wheat flour rose from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,250 per 15kg bag, now retailing at Rs 1,300. Prices for Roti, Naan, and Paratha have remained mostly consistent; however, certain restaurant chains have not decreased Paratha prices, selling them for as high as Rs60 each.

Stable Prices for Bakery Items and Cooked Foods

Bakery and confectionery item prices have remained unchanged, with standard-size bread available at Rs140 and smaller loaves at Rs100. Cooked food prices are also stable, with a dal/vegetable plate at Rs320, beef at Rs550, chicken at Rs500, and mutton at Rs750. Naan/roti is priced at Rs25/30.

Chicken and Egg Prices Fluctuate

A slight decrease in chicken prices was noted in the wholesale market, dropping from Rs 17,200 to Rs 17,000 per 40kg, retailing at Rs445 per kg (previously Rs450). Chicken meat retails between Rs700-750 per kg. Egg prices have climbed from Rs 8,300 to Rs 8,500 per carton (30 dozen), now selling at Rs300-310 per dozen, compared to Rs290-300 previously.

Mutton, Beef, and Fish Prices Hold Steady

Mutton and beef prices have remained consistent, with standard mutton at Rs 2,200 per kg, boneless beef at Rs 1,400 per kg, and regular beef at Rs 1,100 per kg. Fish varieties are available from Rs500 to Rs900 per kg.

Tea, Spices, and Pulses Show Mixed Trends

Tea prices have remained stable, with Lipton Yellow Label at Rs 2,200 per 900 grams and Islamabad Tea at Rs 1,800 per kg. Turmeric powder prices have decreased in wholesale to Rs550 per kg (from Rs650), retailing at Rs800 per kg. Red chilli powder has also dropped to Rs550 per kg wholesale, retailing at Rs800 per kg. Pulse prices have generally risen. Prices for branded spices have remained consistent.

Rice and Cooking Oil Prices Vary

Rice prices remain consistent, with Basmati at Rs 13,500 per 40kg bag wholesale, retailing at Rs380 per kg. Cooking oil prices are mixed, with some brands increasing and others decreasing slightly.

Milk, Soap, and Detergent Prices

Packed milk prices are stable at Rs2,350 per carton. Fresh milk sells between Rs220 and Rs230 per kg. Bathing soap prices are steady, while detergent prices have seen a slight decrease. Cold drink prices have remained consistent.

LPG Prices Exceed Official Rates

Despite OGRA’s fixed rate of Rs233 per kg for LPG, retailers are selling a 15kg cylinder at Rs 4,000, exceeding the official price of Rs 3,495. Retailers are overcharging consumers.