Prices of edibles spike amid flour crisis

Amid the deepening flour crisis and dwindling dollar reserves, prices of edible items have skyrocketed in the Rawalpindi districts, adding to the woes of low-income segments of the society.

The price of banaspati ghee, cooking oil and pulses have gone well out of the poor’s reach while the threat of naanbais to jack up the prices of various types of breads has made the affairs even worse.

In the open market, a kilogram of flour is available at Rs160 per kg, a 15-kg flour bag at Rs2,250, an 80-kg bag at Rs13,500 and a fine flour bag weighing the same is being sold at Rs13,900.

Meanwhile, 850 grams of banaspati ghee is sold for Rs510, white gram for Rs310 per kg, black gram for Rs300 per kg, good quality rice for Rs330 per kg, and red beans are being sold at Rs300 per kg.

The price of meat and egg on the other hand is touching new heights with live chicken selling for Rs380 per kg, chicken meat for Rs570 per kg, eggs for Rs300 per dozen, beef for Rs1,000 per kg, and mutton for Rs1,600 per kg.

The inflation has also affected the price of fodder for cows and buffalos, owing to which milk is available at Rs190 per liter, and curd at Rs200.

Naanbais of the garrison city are selling patiri (red flour bread) at Rs20, white flour bread at Rs20, naan at Rs40 and paratha at Rs60.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 16^th, 2023.