Prices of Ghee & Cooking Oil Soar Across Pakistan: Check lates rates here
As of December 2024, the retail price of premium-grade ‘A’ quality ghee now ranges between Rs505 and Rs559 per kilogram.
ISLAMABAD: The prices of essential kitchen staples, ghee and cooking oil, have seen a sharp increase of up to 20% over the past two months, putting a strain on household budgets nationwide. Despite claims from the government of a downward trend in inflation, citizens are feeling the pressure as the cost of these daily essentials continues to climb.
Reports indicate that the price of ghee has risen by Rs30 to Rs120 per kilogram across various cities. Meanwhile, cooking oil prices have surged by Rs50 to Rs150 per litre. Retailers confirm that these hikes are affecting consumers across Pakistan, with price variations depending on brand and quality.
As of December 2024, the retail price of premium-grade ‘A’ quality ghee now ranges between Rs505 and Rs559 per kilogram. In cities like Lahore, Sufi ghee has seen a rise to Rs350 per kilogram, while mid-range ‘B’ quality ghee is priced between Rs440 and Rs500 per kilogram. Similarly, the cost of cooking oil has followed a similar upward trend, with shopkeepers attributing the hike to rising raw material costs in the international market, as well as global supply chain disruptions.
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This surge in prices comes despite recent data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showing a slowdown in core inflation. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for November 2024 was reported at 4.9%, down from 7.2% in October, signaling a deceleration in inflation. Compared to the staggering 29.2% inflation recorded in November 2023, this represents some improvement. However, for many struggling households, the relief from these statistics is minimal, as the cost of essential commodities continues to rise unabated.