Decline in Essential Kitchen Item Prices Observed

A recent survey indicates a downward trend in the prices of essential kitchen commodities this past week compared to the previous one. The survey, conducted by Business Recorder, highlighted fluctuations in various food items within the Islamabad market.

Poultry and Eggs

Chicken prices in the wholesale market saw a decrease from Rs15,800 to Rs13,600 per 40kg. Consequently, retail prices have adjusted to Rs370 per kg, down from Rs430, with chicken meat now at Rs600 per kg compared to Rs650 previously. Conversely, egg prices experienced a slight increase, moving from Rs5,700 to Rs5,850 per carton (30 dozen), leading to retail prices of Rs240-245 per dozen, up from Rs230-235.

Sugar, Mutton, and Beef

The price of sugar remains consistent at Rs8,000 per 50 kg bag in wholesale, while retailers are selling it at Rs170 per kg, a slight decrease from Rs175. Mutton and beef prices have shown stability, with standard quality mutton at Rs2,200 per kg, boneless beef at Rs1,400 per kg, and regular beef at Rs1,100 per kg. Fish varieties are available ranging from Rs500 to Rs900 per kg.

Tea, Spices, and Wheat Flour

Tea prices have remained unchanged, with Lipton Yellow Label at Rs2,200 per 900 grams and Islamabad Tea at Rs1,800 per kg. Standard turmeric and red chili powders are both priced at Rs700 per kg. Wheat flour prices have seen a further decline; the best quality flour is now Rs1,100 per 15kg bag in wholesale (previously Rs1,200), retailing at Rs1,150 (previously Rs1,250). Normal quality flour is at Rs1,060 per 15kg bag wholesale (previously Rs1,160), retailing at Rs1,100 (previously Rs1,200).

Other Commodities

Sources indicated that cigarette manufacturers have begun increasing prices, with Capstan rising from Rs240 to Rs250 per pack. Pulse prices remain stable, with maash pulse at Rs440 per kg, gram pulse at Rs300 per kg, whole gram pulse at Rs270 per kg, bean lentils ranging from Rs450-550 per kg, moong at Rs400 per kg, and masoor pulse at Rs280 per kg.

Cooked Food and Spices

Cooked food prices are holding steady, with a daal/vegetable plate at Rs320, beef at Rs550, chicken at Rs500, mutton at Rs750, and naan/roti at Rs25/30. Branded spices like Shan and National are unchanged, with a 39-gram pack at Rs140. Rice prices have increased; best quality basmati in wholesale rose from Rs11,500 to Rs12,500 per 40kg bag, now retailing at Rs350 per kg (previously Rs320). Normal quality basmati rose from Rs9,500 to Rs10,500 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs310 per kg (previously Rs280), and broken basmati rose from Rs7,000 to Rs8,000 per 40kg bag, retailing at Rs230 per kg (previously Rs200).

Ghee, Oil, Milk, and Soaps

Ghee/cooking oil prices are decreasing, with B-grade ghee/oil down from Rs6,350 to Rs6,000 per carton of 16 packs wholesale, now retailing at Rs460 per 900 grams. Top-tier brands like Dalda ghee remain at Rs2,720 per 5kg tin/bottle. Packed milk brands like Milk Pak and Olpers are stable at Rs2,250 per carton wholesale, with 250ml packs at Rs90 retail. Fresh milk prices vary, with some areas at Rs220 per kg and others at Rs230, while yoghurt is stable at Rs250 per kg. Powdered milk prices are unchanged, with 400gram Nido at Rs1,320 and 200gram at Rs700. Bathing soap prices are stable, with family-size Safeguard and Dettol at Rs165 per pack and Lux at Rs150. Detergent prices have slightly increased, with brands like Ariel, Surf, and Brite at Rs570 per kg pack (previously Rs550). Cold drink prices are stable, with family-size bottles at Rs230.

LPG Prices

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) set the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) price at Rs244.54 per kg, but it is being sold at Rs300-330 per kg in the market. LPG distributors attribute the higher prices to marketing companies charging them more, leading to retailers overcharging consumers. Traders allege that LPG marketing companies are making significant profits, while regulatory bodies are not enforcing official rates. Illegal decanting of LPG is also reportedly widespread.

Vegetables and Fruits

Vegetable and fruit prices were mostly consistent. Potatoes in wholesale range from Rs1,800-3,500 per quintal, retailing at Rs45-60 per kg (previously Rs50-70). Onion prices in wholesale decreased from Rs1,900-3,400 to Rs1700-3,200 per quintal, now retailing at Rs35-50 per kg (previously Rs40-60). Tomatoes are stable at Rs300 per 15kg basket, retailing at Rs40-60 per kg. Ginger decreased from Rs1,200 to Rs1,100 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs360-380 per kg (previously Rs375-400). Local garlic decreased from Rs650 to Rs500 per 5 kg wholesale (lowest in eight years), retailing at Rs200 per kg (previously Rs250), while China garlic is stable at Rs1,500 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs380-450 per kg. Capsicum increased from Rs150 to Rs175 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs45-55 per kg (previously Rs40-50). Pumpkin varieties decreased from Rs200-230 to Rs100-200 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs40-65 per kg (previously Rs60-70). Tinda increased from Rs150-230 to Rs270-450 per 5kg, retailing at Rs75-120 per kg (previously Rs50-70). Eggplant decreased from Rs225 to Rs175 per 5kg, retailing at Rs50-60 per kg (previously Rs60-70). Cauliflower increased from Rs150 to Rs175 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs50-60 per kg, and cabbage is stable at Rs100 per 5kg, retailing at Rs50-60 per kg. Okra is stable at Rs650 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs175-200. Bitter gourd decreased from Rs350 to Rs300 per 5kg, retailing at Rs80-90 per kg (previously Rs90-100). Green chili is stable at Rs300-400 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs100-120 per kg. Beetroot decreased from Rs400 to Rs250 per 5kg, retailing at Rs65-75 per kg (previously Rs90-120). Local carrot increased from Rs120 to Rs150 per 5kg, retailing at Rs50-55 per kg (previously Rs40-45), while China carrot is stable at Rs175 per 5 kg, retailing at Rs55-60 per kg. Cucumber increased from Rs150 to Rs175 per 5kg, retailing at Rs55-65 per kg. Fresh Bean increased from Rs350 to Rs450 per 5kg, retailing at Rs110-130 per kg (previously Rs90-110). Yam is stable at Rs700 per 5kg, retailing at Rs170-190 per kg; turnip is stable at Rs125 per 5kg, retailing at Rs50-55 per kg; peas are stable at Rs400 per 5kg, retailing at Rs100-110 per kg; radish is stable at Rs75 per 5kg, retailing at Rs30-35 per kg; spinach is at Rs150 per 5kg, retailing at Rs15-20, and Coriander is at Rs250 per 5kg wholesale, retailing at Rs30-35 per bundle of 250 grams.

Fruit Prices

Fruit prices have generally decreased. Local apples range from Rs110-340 (previously Rs120-350), guava decreased from Rs120-160 to Rs110-150 per kg. Bananas decreased from Rs120-250 to Rs100-240 per dozen; oranges range from Rs400-500 per dozen. Melons range from Rs40-80 (previously Rs40-110), strawberries range from Rs70-100, pomegranates range from Rs450-550, Chikoo is at Rs250-275 per kg, papaya is at Rs180-220 (previously Rs200-250), and lokat is at Rs160-180 (previously Rs200-250) per kg.

Price Monitoring Concerns

Significant discrepancies exist between wholesale market prices and official rates set by market committees. Consumers attribute artificial price hikes to inadequate monitoring by relevant authorities. Retailers and vendors often fail to display official price lists, a legal requirement, hindering consumer awareness.