Prices of ghee and cooking oil have skyrocketed across Pakistan, sparking concerns among consumers and business owners.
Cooking oil prices surged by Rs30 per liter, climbing from Rs530 to Rs560, while ghee now costs Rs550 per kilogram. This sharp increase in November has exacerbated financial pressures on households and small businesses.
Restaurant, hotel, and food truck owners have expressed frustration over the soaring prices, stating that rising costs are threatening their operations.
“With such price hikes, maintaining operations is unsustainable. Customer demand is shrinking, and our sales are suffering,” lamented a Karachi-based restaurant owner.
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Small traders are also bearing the brunt, with operational costs doubling and profit margins shrinking. Many fear closures if the government fails to provide economic relief.
For consumers, the price hike has worsened household budget constraints. Shoppers in Lahore voiced their grievances, urging the government to address inflation. “Basic necessities are becoming unaffordable. The government must step in to stabilize prices,” said a market visitor.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported a 0.28 percent increase in the Sensitive Price Index (SPI) for the week ending October 17, underscoring the inflationary trend impacting essentials.
