Fuel price hikes push up cost of essentials

The continued increase in petroleum prices has begun to significantly affect the prices of daily essentials, adding to the financial burden on citizens already struggling with inflation.

A noticeable increase has been recorded in the prices of several food items in Rawalpindi's fruit and vegetable markets, although a few vegetables witnessed a slight decline.

According to market rates, potatoes rose by Rs8 to Rs168 per kg, onions by Rs58 to Rs315 per kg, okra by Rs33 to Rs168 per kg, brinjal by Rs8 to Rs73 per kg, and local round gourd by Rs10 to Rs135 per kg. Green chillies have reached Rs300 per kg, while Sindhri mangoes increased by Rs5 to Rs295 per kg and guavas by Rs22 to Rs190 per kg. Banana prices remained unchanged at Rs200 per dozen.

On the other hand, Chinese garlic fell by Rs12 to Rs292 per kg, Thai ginger by Rs20 to Rs328 per kg, and turnips by Rs20 to Rs120 per kg. Peas and capsicum are available at Rs285 per kg.

Citizens said inflation had already disrupted household budgets, and the recent increase in petroleum prices had made food items even more expensive, further aggravating the difficulties of ordinary people.

They urged the government to take effective measures to control inflation and stabilise the prices of essential commodities.

They said the repeated increase in petroleum prices has severely affected the public, as vegetables, fruits, pulses and transportation costs continue to rise.

Wholesale markets have also become centres of inflation, while the district administration and price magistrates have remained ineffective.

Milk is being sold in the open market at Rs250 per litre, yoghurt at Rs280 per kg, flour at Rs170 per kg, sugar at Rs160 per kg, white chickpeas at Rs440 per kg, red beans at Rs500 per kg, tea leaves between Rs2,500 and Rs3,000 per kg, ghee and cooking oil at Rs550 per kg, split black gram at Rs600 per kg, and tomatoes between Rs450 and Rs500 per kg.

Peas is being sold at Rs350 per kg, garlic at Rs300 per kg, ginger at Rs350 per kg, coriander at Rs50 per bunch, cauliflower at Rs150 per kg, capsicum at Rs300 per kg, okra at Rs250 per kg, bitter gourd at Rs150 per kg, carrots at Rs120 per kg, lemons at Rs200 per kg, apples between Rs300 and Rs350 per kg, bananas at Rs200 to Rs250 per dozen, and mangoes between Rs300 and Rs350 per kg.

Papaya is sold at Rs350 per kg, cardamom at Rs800 per kg, chikoo at Rs350 per kg, cherries at Rs900 per kg, blackberries at Rs200 per kg, guavas at Rs250 per kg, musk melon at Rs170 per kg, pears at Rs300 per kg, coconuts at Rs500 each, apricots at Rs300 per kg, plums at Rs400 per kg and peaches between Rs300 and Rs350 per kg.