The prices of essential kitchen staples, such as banaspati ghee and cooking oil, have increased by up to 20% over the past two months, adding to the financial strain faced by households across Pakistan. Despite the government’s claims of a downward trend in inflation, the surge in prices of these items has raised concerns, particularly among citizens already dealing with high living costs.
Reports indicate that the price of ghee has risen by Rs30 to Rs120 per kilogram in various cities, while cooking oil prices have increased by Rs50 to Rs150 per litre. The retail price for premium-grade ‘A’ quality ghee now ranges between Rs505 and Rs559 per kilogram, while mid-range ‘B’ quality ghee is priced between Rs440 and Rs500 per kilogram. In Lahore and other urban centres, the cost of Sufi ghee has surged to Rs350 per kilogram. Similarly, cooking oil prices have followed a similar upward trajectory, with shopkeepers attributing the increases to the rising costs of raw materials in the international market, along with global supply chain issues.
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Interestingly, this price hike is occurring at a time when the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation in Pakistan showed signs of deceleration, with CPI standing at 4.9% in November 2024, a significant drop from 7.2% in October 2024. Although the overall inflation rate has decreased compared to the previous year, with a notable decline from 29.2% in November 2023, the rising costs of essential goods like ghee and cooking oil continue to impact struggling households, offering little relief despite the statistical improvement in inflation.
