Fuel Price Surge Drives Up Food Costs in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi residents are facing skyrocketing food prices due to the recent surge in fuel costs, which has led to a significant increase in transportation charges. According to a report by Dawn, the cost of essential commodities such as pulses, tomatoes, and onions has risen sharply over the past three days.

Tomatoes are currently selling at Rs 500 per kg, onions at Rs 120 per kg, and cucumbers at Rs 300 per kg. The prices of pulses have also increased by around five percent, while milk is being sold at Rs 260 per litre and curd at Rs 280 per kg.

Saleem Pervaiz Butt, Chairman of the Rawalpindi Karyana Merchant Association, attributed the rise in food prices to the government's imposition of sales tax on vegetable oil, which has increased its price to Rs 3,000 for a five-kilogram pack. He also noted that retailers are facing difficulties due to higher transportation charges from supply warehouses to retail shops.

Butt urged the district administration to update the official price list of essential commodities in consultation with wholesalers and shopkeepers. The Rawalpindi Fruit and Vegetable Association President, Ghulam Qadir Mir, attributed the increase in vegetable prices primarily to the surge in fuel prices, which has led to daily revisions in freight charges.