A significant rise in fuel prices in Pakistan has resulted in increased transportation expenses, thereby causing a surge in the prices of basic food items within the Punjab province. Traders and market analysts have indicated that the cost of logistics has nearly doubled, primarily due to higher transportation fees from major wholesale centers such as Karachi, Faisalabad, and Sargodha. This escalation in transportation costs has directly affected retail pricing across various markets.

Current Market Prices for Essential Items

In the open market, several food items have seen considerable price hikes. Milk is currently retailing at approximately PKR 230 per kilogram, with yoghurt prices ranging between PKR 240 and PKR 250 per kilogram. Various pulses are also being sold at elevated prices; gram pulse is available for PKR 390 per kilogram, while rice is priced at PKR 400 per kilogram. Prices for white chickpeas have reached PKR 430 per kilogram, and red beans are being sold for PKR 550 per kilogram. Additionally, black gram is now priced at PKR 580 per kilogram.

Meat and Vegetable Prices Rise

Meat prices have similarly experienced an increase, with mutton being sold at PKR 2,700 per kilogram, beef at PKR 1,500 per kilogram, and chicken at PKR 620 per kilogram. The prices of vegetables remain high, with tomatoes selling for PKR 250 per kilogram. Garlic is priced at PKR 500 per kilogram, and ginger costs between PKR 450 and PKR 550 per kilogram. Other vegetables such as potatoes, onions, and lemons are selling for PKR 50, PKR 80, and PKR 150 per kilogram, respectively. More varieties including okra, bitter gourd, cauliflower, capsicum, and peas are also experiencing stable demand at elevated prices.

Fruit Prices Also See Significant Increases

Fruit prices have escalated as well, with apples ranging from PKR 300 to PKR 400 per kilogram and bananas sold at PKR 250 per dozen. Citrus fruits are similarly priced between PKR 300 and PKR 400 per dozen. High-value fruits such as pomegranates, grapes, and pears have reached even higher prices, while coconuts are selling for PKR 500 each. The overall increase in fruit prices contributes to the ongoing issues of food inflation in the region.

Traders Cite Fuel Costs as Primary Factor

According to local traders, the relentless rise in food prices is directly related to the increased costs of fuel, which have heightened logistics expenditures and disrupted supply chains in the Punjab province. As these challenges persist, food inflation continues to remain a pressing concern for consumers and businesses alike in this region.

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