Petrol price hike fuels inflation in Peshawar

A fresh wave of inflation has gripped the provincial capital following the recent increase in petroleum product prices, sending the cost of daily essentials soaring within hours.

Local shopkeepers have unilaterally raised prices of almost all food items, citing higher transportation costs due to the fuel hike. In Peshawar markets, the price of milk jumped by Rs20 per kg, now selling between Rs260 and Rs280 per kilogram. Yogurt prices have climbed to Rs300 per kg.

Chicken prices rose by Rs10 per kg, reaching Rs455 per kg. Butchers also increased rates sharply; mutton is now being sold at Rs1,400 per kg after a Rs50 hike, while minced meat (qeema) has climbed to Rs1,450 per kg.

Fruits and vegetables have not been spared either. Vendors say freight charges for loaded vehicles have gone up significantly, forcing them to pass the burden onto consumers.

Traders warned that prices of ghee, cooking oil, flour, pulses, rice and other kitchen essentials are also expected to rise in the coming days.

The sudden surge has added to the financial difficulties of common citizens already struggling with high living costs. Residents expressed concern over the relentless increase in prices of basic necessities, demanding immediate government intervention to control the situation.