Soaring Petroleum Prices Drive Up Living Costs in Twin Cities
The recent sharp increase in petroleum product prices has begun to take its toll on daily essentials in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, leading to a surge in food prices. As the cost of living continues to rise, consumers are feeling the impact on their wallets.
Rising Food Prices: In the open market, essential commodities have seen significant price hikes. Potatoes now range from Rs 82 to Rs 106 per kg, while onions priced between Rs 85 and Rs 110 per kg. Tomatoes have surged to Rs 90 to Rs 100 per kg. More notably, garlic has sold at a steep Rs 430 to Rs 580 per kg, and ginger commands a staggering Rs 1300 per kg.
Other vegetables like turnips and Arvi priced at Rs 150 and Rs 158 per kg, respectively. Green chillies are at Rs 137, and capsicum is selling for Rs 180 per kg. Lemon prices have reached Rs 205 per kg, while brinjal has at Rs 93, bitter gourd ranges from Rs 96 to Rs 128 per kg, and zucchini has priced at Rs 85 to Rs 130 per kg. Tenda is available at Rs 157, and cucumber is at Rs 130 per kg. Spinach and gourd are at Rs 36 to Rs 40 and Rs 108 per kg, respectively.
Impact on Fruits: The effects of rising costs extend to fruits, with bananas now costing Rs 160 per dozen and peaches ranging from Rs 264 to Rs 310 per kg. Grapes priced at Rs 357 per kg, while apples range from Rs 220 to Rs 350, and golden apples come in at Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kg.
Meat and Poultry: Live chicken is selling at Rs 380 per kg, while meat prices have surged to Rs 580 to 600 per kg.
Consumer Concerns: Citizens are grappling with the burden of inflation, and many believe the government should intervene to provide relief. The rising cost of daily essentials has placed a significant strain on household budgets, leading to growing calls for measures to mitigate the impact of increasing living costs.
