Fuel Price Fluctuations Drive Up Islamabad's Kitchen Item Prices

Prices of essential kitchen items in Islamabad have been increasing due to fluctuations in fuel prices, according to a recent survey by Business Recorder. The survey found that prices of edible items have risen over the past seven months, with chicken and egg prices increasing by at least 30-50%.

The wholesale price of chicken has risen from Rs13,000 to Rs13,800 per 40 kg, while in the retail market, it is being sold in the range of Rs340-370 per kg. Egg prices have also increased, with a carton containing 30 dozen eggs now costing Rs7,300 in the wholesale market.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted fuel supplies and caused fuel prices to skyrocket, while the expansion of the war to Yemen has further worsened the situation by disrupting fuel supplies through Bab-al-Mandab. Traders argue that high transportation costs, electricity bills, and gas prices are also contributing to the price increases.

The price of sugar has increased from Rs6,950 to Rs7,050 per 50 kg bag in wholesale markets, while wheat flour prices have decreased slightly from Rs2,150 to Rs2,130 per 15 kg bag. The price of ghee/cooking oil has also increased, with B-grade ghee/oil prices rising from Rs7,000 to Rs7,150 per carton containing 16 packs in the wholesale market.

The Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has fixed the official LPG price for September at Rs259 per kg, but marketing companies, distributors, and retailers are overcharging consumers by up to Rs141 per kg. The prices of various pulses have also witnessed an increase, with maash pulse wholesale prices rising from Rs13,300 to Rs15,000 per 40 kg.