Surge in Fuel Prices Triggers Spike in Edible Oil, Ghee Rates in Quetta

**Quetta:** A fresh wave of inflation has hit Quetta following the recent increase in petroleum prices, with significant hikes recorded in the rates of essential food items such as edible oil and ghee.

According to details, prices in the wholesale market have risen sharply, with edible oil increasing by Rs60 per liter and ghee by up to Rs40 per kilogram. Retail prices are also expected to climb further, adding to the financial burden on consumers.

Residents have expressed concern over the continuous rise in the cost of living, stating that inflation has already strained household budgets. The latest increase in basic cooking essentials has made it even more difficult for families to manage daily expenses. Homemakers, in particular, complained that kitchen items are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

Shopkeepers and wholesalers attributed the price hike primarily to increased transportation costs. They said that after the rise in petrol and diesel prices, transporters significantly raised freight charges, directly impacting the prices of food items.

Traders further noted that manufacturers in other regions, including Punjab and Karachi, have also increased prices of edible oil and ghee, forcing local sellers to pass on the additional cost to consumers.

Economic experts say that rising fuel prices have a direct impact on inflation, especially on goods transported from other cities. In remote areas like Quetta, the effect is more severe due to complete reliance on road transport for supply.

Citizens have urged the government to take immediate steps to control prices of essential commodities, regulate transport fares, and take strict action against profiteering to provide relief to the public.

Recent hikes in petroleum product prices have led to rising inflation across the country, with the impact being felt more intensely in Quetta.