Prices of essential goods soar in Pindi

The adverse effects of the federal and provincial budgets have rattled wholesale markets, trading hubs, and commercial centres across the board as prices of essential food items and commodities have surged dramatically.

Starting next week, butchers, bakers, and milk vendors are also expected to announce substantial price increases, further straining low-income households.

In the open market, sugar was sold at Rs190/kg, cooking oil Rs530 per litre, ghee Rs500 per kg, daal masoor Rs600 per kg, white chickpeas Rs415 per kg, daal chana Rs350 per kg, mutton Rs2,400 per kg, beef Rs1,400 per kg.

Vendors charged Rs200–400 per kg for apples, Rs250–300 per kg for mangoes, Rs200–250 per dozen for bananas, Rs350 per kg for plum, Rs300 per kg for peaches, Rs60 per kg for watermelons, Rs100 per kg for melons, Rs200–250 per kg for apricots, Rs400 per box for cherries, and Rs300 per kg for falsa (Grewia).

In vegetables, potatoes were sold at Rs70 per kg, onions Rs50 per kg, garlic Rs250 per kg, ginger Rs600 per kg, tomatoes Rs50–60 per kg, lemons Rs400 per kg, bitter gourd Rs100 per kg, cucumber Rs70 per kg, cauliflower Rs130 per kg, arvi (taro root) Rs200 per kg, green chilies Rs150 per kg, and fresh coriander Rs30 per bunch.