Pindi sees sharp rise in grocery prices

Sources say further price hikes in essential items are likely next week

RAWALPINDI:

The wholesale market in Rawalpindi has seen a sudden and steep rise in prices of essential grocery items, including pulses, ghee, and chickpeas, sparking concerns of a fresh wave of inflation.

The price of a carton of ghee and oil has jumped by Rs1,000, signaling imminent increases in retail prices. The Central Grocery Merchants Association has rejected the pricing rates set by the deputy commissioner, accusing authorities of being out of touch with market realities.

In the wholesale market, the price of mash dal has risen to Rs20,500 per maund, masoor dal to Rs13,600, mung dal to Rs12,400, and white chickpeas to Rs15,200 per maund. Spices have also experienced a 50 per cent price hike. As a result, retail prices for pulses are expected to increase by Rs30 to Rs50 per kg, with chickpea dal set to sell at Rs450 per kg, mash dal at Rs550 per kg, masoor dal at Rs370 per kg, and white chickpeas at Rs410 per kg. Ghee will now be sold at Rs460 per kg, and oil at Rs480 per litre.

Further price hikes in essential items such as milk, yogurt, bread, and meat are anticipated next week.

Central Grocery Merchants Association President, Saleem Pervaiz Butt, strongly criticised the government's claims of reducing inflation was "false and baseless." He noted that prices have reached unprecedented levels in the country's history. He also pointed out the discrepancy between official prices set by the DC and the actual market rates.