Fuel costs inflate food prices

Consumers in the provincial capital continued to grapple with high food prices during the past week, with most essential commodities selling above government rates despite official reductions and notifications issued by the district administration.

The gap between official rate lists and retail prices remained evident across the city, raising questions over the effectiveness of the price control mechanism.

Recent increases in petroleum product prices added to transportation and distribution costs, particularly for perishable goods, although the scale of price differences in several commodities remained higher than the apparent impact of freight costs.

Live chicken prices were reduced by Rs20 per kilogramme during the week to Rs309-323, while meat rates were cut by Rs29 to Rs468 per kilogramme. However, chicken meat was sold for Rs510-570 per kg, while boneless chicken retailed at Rs850-950.

Vegetable prices showed a mixed trend, with most perishable items recording increases in official rates as well as difference with retail prices.

Sugar-free potatoes were officially priced at Rs32-35 but sold for Rs50-80 per kg.

Local tomato prices rose by Rs15 to Rs265-285 per kilogramme but retailed at Rs340-400. Local garlic prices increased by Rs5 to Rs138-145 per kg but sold for Rs200-250. Chinese garlic retailed at Rs600 per kilogramme, while Harani garlic rose by Rs15 to Rs240-250 but sold for Rs320-400.

Thai ginger prices fell by Rs15 to Rs335-350 per kilogramme but retailed at Rs450-500, while Chinese ginger remained officially priced at Rs315-330 but sold for Rs400-450.

Official spinach prices doubled to Rs47-50 per kg but consumers paid Rs80-120. Local lemons fell by Rs50 to Rs105-110 per kg but retailed at Rs150-250.

Green chillies rose by Rs15 to Rs110-115 per kilogramme but sold for Rs150-160. Capsicum remained officially priced at Rs304-320 but retailed at around Rs400.

Peas remained officially priced at Rs286-300 but retailed at Rs450-500.

Fruit prices also remained substantially above official rates. A-grade bananas were fixed at Rs195-215 per dozen but retailed at Rs300-350. Dates were officially priced at Rs360-465 per kg but sold for Rs800-2,400. Different varieties of mangoes rose by Rs35 to Rs160-350 per kilogramme but retailed at Rs200-400.