Mixed trend in prices of essential food items

PESHAWAR: A recent market survey conducted by Business Recorder has revealed a mixed trend in the prices of essential food items in the retail market. The survey highlighted that several key commodities have reached new highs, while others maintained stability or experienced slight fluctuations.

Live chicken and meat prices saw a significant upward trend, with one kilogramme of live chicken jumping from Rs405 to Rs445 per kilogramme. Cow meat prices remained unchanged, with one kilogramme without bone available at Rs2000 and with bone at Rs1500 per kilogramme. Mutton beef prices were reported between Rs2800 to Rs3000 per kilogramme in the open market.

Sugar prices remained steady at Rs152 per kilogramme, while flour prices in both retail and wholesale markets remained unchanged. Surprisingly, despite the stable wholesale market prices, retailers and shopkeepers continued to charge high rates for flour, selling it at Rs180 per kilogramme instead of the recommended Rs150 per kilogramme.

The price of LPG gas also increased, with one kilogramme now available at Rs500-550 in the open market. The survey noted a continued bullish trend in the prices of cooking oil and ghee from various brands.

Other notable price changes include a 50 percent reduction in the price of tomatoes, which are now sold at Rs100 per kilogramme, and a price increase for onions at Rs150 per kilogramme. Red potatoes are priced at Rs70 per kilogramme, while white potatoes are available at Rs50 per kilogramme. Peas are sold at Rs400 per kilogramme, arvi at Rs100, capsicum at Rs150, turnip at Rs100, cucumber at Rs200, and calabash at Rs120 per kilogramme.

Pulses prices remained stable, while rice prices varied depending on quality. Good quality rice (sela) was available at Rs360 per kilogramme, while low quality rice ranged from Rs300-320 per kilogramme. Toota rice was priced at Rs200-220 per kilogramme. Dal prices also remained unchanged, with options such as dal mash at Rs480, dal masoor at Rs320 per kilogramme, dal chilka (black) and green at Rs320 and Rs260 per kilogramme respectively, moonge at Rs400 per kilogramme, dhoti dal at Rs400 per kilogramme, dal channa at Rs450 per kilogramme, red beans at Rs440 per kilogramme, big-size white channa at Rs380 per kilogramme, small-size white channa at Rs360 per kilogramme.

Fruits prices also saw changes, with apples available at Rs400-500 per kilogramme, bananas at Rs200 per dozen, leechi at Rs1000 per kilogramme, and jaman at Rs800 per kilogramme.