Inflation weary Pakistanis are facing another financial blow as the recent increase in petroleum prices has been followed by a rise in the prices of ghee and cooking oil, adding further pressure to household budgets.
The latest fuel price hike has raised concerns about another wave of inflation, with increased transportation and freight costs expected to affect the prices of food items and other essential commodities.
Grade-III ghee is currently being sold at around Rs500 per kilogram, while supplies available below this price have become increasingly scarce. Grade-II ghee has reached Rs545 to Rs550 per kilogram, whereas Grade-I ghee is being sold for Rs595 to Rs600 per kilogram.
Prices of cooking oil have also increased, adding to the burden on consumers already struggling with rising household expenses.
The impact of higher fuel prices is expected to extend beyond petrol stations, as transportation and freight costs play a major role in moving food and other consumer goods from production and wholesale centres to retail markets. Any further increase in transport costs could put additional pressure on the prices of ghee, cooking oil, vegetables, meat and other daily use items.
The latest increases come amid already higher prices of chicken, mutton, beef and eggs, raising fears of a broader rise in the cost of essential commodities.
Consumers have urged the government to intensify market monitoring and take action against profiteering, stressing that traders should not use higher petroleum prices as an excuse for unjustified price increases.
Meanwhile, petrol prices were increased by Rs3.81 per litre to Rs341.59, while the price of High-Speed Diesel (HSD) rose by Rs3.59 to Rs368.29 per litre. The revised prices took effect on August 22 and will remain applicable until August 24.
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