Erratic POL pricing drive up food costs

RAWALPINDI:

Frequent announcements of daily changes in petroleum prices have begun affecting wholesale and retail markets, with higher transport costs pushing up the prices of food and other essential commodities.

Freight charges, transportation costs and loading and unloading expenses have increased, leading to higher prices for vegetables. Fruits have also become increasingly unaffordable, while Sunday bazaars have turned into outlets for stale vegetables and fruit.

In the open market, milk is selling for Rs250-260 per litre, yoghurt Rs280 per kg, chicken Rs550 per kg, white chickpeas Rs420 per kg, rice Rs400 per kg and tea leaves Rs2,000-2,700 per kg.

Gram lentils are priced at Rs390 per kg, black gram at Rs600 per kg, red beans Rs500 per kg, mutton Rs2,800 per kg, beef Rs1,500 per kg, roti Rs20 each and a cup of tea Rs90.