LAHORE – Double whammy for inflation-weary Pakistanis as after facing massive increase in petroleum prices, masses are forced to pay higher prices for ghee and cooking oil.
The fresh fuel hike added concerns over another wave of inflation, as higher transportation and freight costs threaten to push up the prices of food and other essential commodities.
Grade-III ghee is selling at around Rs500 per kilogram, with supplies available below that level becoming increasingly difficult to find. Meanwhile, Grade-II ghee has reached Rs545 to Rs550 per kilogram, while Grade-I ghee is being sold between Rs595 and Rs600 per kilogram.
Cooking oil prices have also moved upward, adding further pressure to household food budgets. The latest fuel increase is raising concerns that its impact could spread well beyond petrol pumps.
Higher fuel costs increase expenses linked with transportation and freight, particularly for vehicles carrying food and other consumer goods from production and wholesale centres to retail markets. Ghee, cooking oil, vegetables, meat and other essentials could therefore face additional price pressure if transportation costs continue to rise.
The development comes after increases in prices of chicken, mutton, beef and eggs, adding to concerns that consumers could face a broader rise in the cost of everyday necessities. For middle- and low-income families, the latest price increases are creating another challenge as household expenses continue to climb.
Consumers urged the government to strengthen market monitoring and ensure that traders do not use higher petroleum prices as a justification for excessive profiteering.
Meanwhile, Petrol prices also increased by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59, while High-Speed Diesel (HSD) jumped by Rs3.59 to Rs368.29 per litre. The revised prices came into effect on August 22 and are applicable through August 24.
Petrol Price Jumps to Rs341.59, Diesel Hits Rs368.29 in Pakistan
