Prices of Basic Commodities Rise Despite Government’s Claim of Decrease

Islamabad:Despite claims from the government that inflation has decreased across the country and food prices have dropped, recent reports show a contrary trend. Over the past few days, the prices of vegetables, meat, fruits, rice, sugar, and pulses have significantly increased.

A comparison of the current prices with those from a month ago, conducted by *V News*, reveals that contrary to the government’s assertions, food prices have risen. The price of cooking oil and ghee has increased by up to 30 rupees per kilogram, while the price of live chicken has gone up by 100 rupees per kilogram.

Other commodities also saw a rise, with sugar’s price increasing by 10 rupees per kilogram, tomatoes by 100 rupees per kilogram, rice by 90 rupees per kilogram, and various pulses by 50 to 80 rupees per kilogram.

### **Cooking Oil, Ghee, and Pulses: Price Increase**
In December, the price of cooking oil and ghee was around 520 rupees per kilogram, which has now risen to 550 rupees per kilogram. The price of Dalda ghee has seen an increase of up to 100 rupees per kilogram, while the prices of various pulses have increased by 80 to 100 rupees per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the price of tea leaves remains unchanged at 1300 to 1600 rupees per kilogram. Rice, however, saw a notable hike, with its price increasing from 280 rupees per kilogram to 370 rupees per kilogram, marking a 90-rupee rise within a month. The price of sugar also increased by 10 rupees, going from 130 rupees per kilogram to 140 rupees.

### **Wheat Prices Decline**
In contrast to other food items, the price of wheat has decreased. In December, a 20-kilogram bag of flour was priced at 1950 rupees, which has now dropped to 1750 rupees.

### **Vegetable Prices: Increase in Most Items**
According to the latest price list from Islamabad’s fruit and vegetable market, the prices of most items have gone up, with only a few commodities seeing a reduction. Potatoes, for example, were priced at 75 rupees per kilogram last month but have now dropped to 65 rupees per kilogram. On the other hand, onions, which were priced at 100 rupees per kilogram, have now gone up to 115 rupees per kilogram. Tomatoes, which were priced at 120 rupees per kilogram, have now surged to 200 rupees per kilogram, while garlic, which cost 390 rupees per kilogram, is now priced at 580 rupees per kilogram.

### **Fruit Prices: Significant Hike**
According to the prices at Islamabad’s fruit market, the price of bananas has risen from 110 rupees per dozen to 145 rupees per dozen. Pakistani apples, which were priced at 180 rupees per kilogram, have now increased to 240 rupees per kilogram. Pomegranate prices have also soared, going from 260 rupees per kilogram to 355 rupees per kilogram. Furthermore, the prices of oranges, kinnow, and musambi have increased by 20 to 40 rupees per dozen.

### **Chicken and Egg Prices: Continued Rise**
In the past month, the price of live chicken was around 320 rupees per kilogram, but it has now risen to 425 rupees per kilogram. Additionally, the price of farm eggs has increased from 300 rupees per dozen to 311 rupees per dozen within the past month.

Despite the government’s claims of a reduction in inflation, the ongoing price hikes in essential food items have left many citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.