Soaring Inflation in Quetta Drives Food Prices to Alarming Levels
Quetta – Inflation in Quetta has surged to alarming levels, with prices of essential food items, meat, and vegetables skyrocketing, severely impacting the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
According to market sources, the rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult for middle- and low-income groups, particularly daily wage earners, to meet basic needs. Chicken meat is now being sold at around Rs680 per kilogram, while mutton prices have reached between Rs2,800 and Rs3,000 per kilogram. Beef has also climbed to Rs1,700 per kilogram, placing it beyond the reach of many households.
Prices of essential grocery items have also seen a sharp increase. High-quality cooking oil and ghee are being sold at around Rs660 per kilogram, while basmati rice has reached Rs400 per kilogram. Pulses have become significantly more expensive, with gram lentils priced at Rs350, mash at Rs550, and masoor at Rs430 per kilogram. White chickpeas are selling at Rs500 per kilogram, while sugar is priced at Rs180 per kilogram.
Other items have also recorded steep hikes, with jaggery reaching Rs400 per kilogram and some sweet products reported as high as Rs350 per kilogram. Spices have not been spared either, as red chili prices have surged to Rs1,000 per kilogram, making them unaffordable for regular household use.
The energy sector has added further strain, with LPG prices rising to Rs550 per kilogram, increasing household expenses. Milk prices have also gone up by Rs10 per kilogram, bringing fresh milk to Rs210 per kilogram and yogurt to Rs230 per kilogram.
Vegetable prices have similarly increased, with onions and tomatoes at Rs100 per kilogram, potatoes at Rs60, peas at Rs250, and green chilies at Rs150 per kilogram. Other vegetables such as okra are being sold at Rs300, pumpkin at Rs150, tinda at Rs200, while ginger and garlic have reached as high as Rs800 per kilogram.
The ongoing inflationary pressure continues to erode the financial stability of residents, raising concerns about affordability and food security in the provincial capital.
