The prices of essential kitchen items, fuel, cooked items, LPG, gas, firewood along with bakery and confectionery registered a substantial increase in December, as compared to November, a survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed.
The survey noted that the prices of different fruits, cooked items, vegetables, pulses, milk, eggs, LPG, powder milk, and firewood registered substantial increase. LPG and firewood prices were increased twice during the month. Trades and wholesalers at different markets of Rawalpindi/ Islamabad revealed that LPG prices increased by Rs 10-15 per kg putting more burden on the consumers.
Due to the increase, hotel owner and tandoor operators have also increased the price of cooked meal and chapatti. Similarly, the price of eggs increased by Rs 20 per dozen during the month. Reason behind the recent surge in its prices was the high demand, as at present one dozen eggs are available at Rs 120 against last month that was Rs 95 to Rs 100 per dozen.
However all varieties of rice and sugar prices kept downward trend. Traders attributed the rapid increase in prices to the seasonal effects, short supply and high demand. They said that due to cold weather, a significant decline is normally witnessed in vegetables and fruits supply, which directly effects price.
The prices of most of the cooked items increased in December, as compared to the preceding month, as prices of plate of beef, vegetable, daal, cup of tea and plain chapatti went up by Rs 5, Rs 5, Rs 3, Rs 2 and Rs 1 respectively. It was noted that tomatoes are being sold at Rs 80 per kg, which were available last month at Rs 55-60 per kg, onions are being sold at Rs 50 per kg against last month price of Rs 45 per kg, ginger at Rs 180 per kg against Rs 160 per kg last month and garlic at Rs 220 per kg against Rs 200 last month.
At present green chillies are being sold at Rs 130 per kg against Rs 100-110 per kg last month and cauliflower at Rs 50 per kg against Rs 35-40 per kg. With the arrival of new rice and sugarcane crops in the market the prices of the rice and sugar have significantly declined. Sugar, which was being sold last month at Rs 70-75 per kg is now being sold at Rs 55 per kg in the retail market, while in the wholesale market the commodity is available at Rs 50 per kg. Similarly, prices of different verities of rice decreased by Rs 5 to Rs 10 per kg.
The Survey further noted that despite substantial decrease in edible oil prices owing to decline in the price of palm oil in international market, the impact could not be passed on to the end consumer. As a result of rupee depreciation, cost of imported oil also increased, which was transferred to end consumers, dealers added.
No significant change was witnessed in fruit prices, which remained on the high side during the on-going month as compared to last month. Banana prices increased from Rs 60 per dozen to Rs 70-80 depending on quality. Guava price remained unchanged and was being sold at Rs 50 per kg. Apple was available at Rs 120 to 150 per kg depending on quality against Rs 120 to 140 per kg last month. Oranges were available at Rs 90-110 per dozen against Rs 100-120 last month.