Key Takeaways
- Flour and live chicken prices have surged by Rs300 to Rs250 per kilogram.
- Vegetable prices, particularly tomatoes and onions, have increased significantly.
- Cooking oil and LPG remain expensive despite fuel price cuts.
In Peshawar, the recent hike in fuel prices has led to a sharp increase in food costs, according to a weekly market survey conducted by Business Recorder. The survey revealed that the price of 20-kg flour bags increased from Rs2700 and Rs2500 to Rs3000 and Rs2900 respectively in the wholesale and retail markets.
Live chicken prices also saw an increase, with a kilogramme now selling for Rs355-360 compared to Rs335 per kilogramme previously. This represents an increase of Rs20 to Rs25 per kilo in the retail market.
Other food items such as vegetables have also seen significant price hikes. A one-kilogramme cow meat with bone is now being sold at Rs1350, while without bones it costs Rs1500, up from official rates of Rs900 per kilogramme announced by local authorities.
Mutton beef prices range between Rs2800 and Rs3000 per kilogramme in the open market. High-quality tomatoes are now available at Rs260 per kilogramme, while low-quality ones cost Rs200 per kilogramme. Onions are priced at Rs100-120 per kilogramme, with ginger and garlic selling for Rs400-500 and Rs200-250 respectively.
Fruits have also seen a price increase, particularly apples which now cost Rs400-500 per kilogramme. Bananas are priced at Rs200 per dozen, while leechi costs Rs1000 per kilogramme. Mangoes range from Rs200 to Rs300 per kilogramme.
Despite the gradual decrease in fuel prices and an announcement to cut cooking oil and ghee prices, these items remain expensive. LPG gas continues to sell at Rs550 per kilo in the retail market, while sugar is available for Rs150 per kilogramme compared to Rs160 previously.
The survey noted that good quality rice (sela) costs Rs360 per kilogramme, low-quality rice ranges from Rs300-320 per kilogramme, and toota rice is priced at Rs200-220 per kilogramme. Pulses have remained unchanged in the retail market with prices ranging between Rs480 for dal mash and Rs260 for dal chilka (green).
