Inflation has tightened its grip on the public as prices of essential commodities have surged sharply across the country, making everyday items increasingly unaffordable even before the start of the Holy month of Ramazan.
There has been an extraordinary rise in the prices of vegetables, fruits and basic food items over the last few days across the country, according to media reports.
The sudden increase has affected kitchen staples, including cooking oil, ghee, gram flour, tomatoes, potatoes, bread, eggs, and fruits.
In Islamabad, the price of tomatoes has jumped by Rs 40 per kilogram within just four days, rising from Rs 80 to Rs 120 per kg. Potatoes have also seen an increase of Rs 10 per kg, moving from Rs 40 to Rs 50 per kg.
Gram flour has become more expensive, with prices rising from Rs 320 to Rs 350 per kg.
Cooking oil and ghee have also recorded an increase of Rs 20 per kg. The price of Grade I ghee and oil has gone up from Rs 580 to Rs 600 per kg, while Grade III ghee and oil now cost Rs 530 per kg, up from Rs 510.
Prices of bread items have also increased. Roti and naan are now being sold for Rs 25 after a Rs 5 hike. Khamiri naan has increased from Rs 25 to Rs 30, while kulcha is now priced at Rs 35. Similarly, the prices of tandoori paratha and rogni naan have risen from Rs 50 to Rs 60. Tea prices in hotels have also gone up, with a cup now costing Rs 70 instead of Rs 60.
Egg prices have risen sharply as well. Within four days, country brown eggs have become more expensive by Rs 30 per dozen, increasing from Rs 470 to Rs 500.
Fruit prices have not been spared. Grade III apples have increased from Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kilogram, while grade III bananas have risen from Rs 140 to Rs 180 per dozen.
The sudden surge in prices ahead of Ramazan has raised concerns among citizens, who fear further inflation during the holy month, placing additional strain on household budgets.
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