Dry fruit prices skyrocket in Pakistan: peanuts Rs1,100, almonds Rs3,350, pistachios Rs7,000/kg

Winter delicacies become luxury items amid unprecedented inflation, new taxes

RAWALPINDI:

With winter setting in, stalls selling seasonal favourites peanuts, roasted chickpeas, sesame sweets, samosas, pakoras, soups, and broths have sprung up across the city. But record price hikes have made even peanuts unaffordable for the poor.

Wholesale peanut roasters are working at full capacity as demand peaks, with small vendors roasting fresh peanuts on the spot. However, due to new taxes, customs duties, and rising transport costs, dry fruit prices have reached the highest levels in Pakistan's history.

In every market, from Kachehri to neighbourhood streets, peanut and sesame sweet carts are now common. Peanuts are selling at Rs1,000 to 1,100 per kg compared to Rs700 to 800 last year. Roasted chickpeas cost Rs1,000 per kg, and sesame sweets made with pure ghee are priced at Rs2,500 per kg.

Other dry fruits have also become costlier, with almonds Rs2,950 to 3,350 per kg, regular almonds Rs2,200 to 2,750, hard almonds Rs1,800, cashews Rs3,500 to 4,000, Iranian pistachios Rs4,300 to 4,950, American pistachios Rs5,000 to 6,000, and premium pistachios Rs6,000 to 7,000.

Walnuts range from Rs1,500 to 2,900, raisins Rs950 to 1,350, dried apricots Rs1,500 to 2,500, and figs Rs1,800 to 3,000 per kg. Even winter snacks like pakoras and samosas have gone up, now selling at Rs300 per kg and Rs550 to 700 per dozen respectively. Chicken broth is being sold at Rs150 per cup, plain soup at Rs160, and egg soup at Rs200 per cup.

Behzad Khan, president of the Dry Fruit Shop Owners' Union, said the rise in taxes, customs duties, and transport costs has forced shopkeepers to increase prices.