Prices of ghee and cooking oil in Pakistan witnessed saw massive increase on Wednesday.
The prices of these staples have seen a sharp increase in November, with cooking oil rising by Rs30 per litre—from Rs530 to Rs560—while ghee now costs Rs550 per kilogram.
Hotel, restaurant, and food truck owners have expressed serious concerns over the escalating inflation, stating that the surging costs of cooking essentials have rendered their businesses unsustainable.
“The price hike has made it nearly impossible for us to maintain operations. Customers are cutting back, and our sales have plummeted,” said a restaurant owner in Karachi.
Small traders have echoed similar grievances, reporting that their operational costs have doubled due to the price hike. This has led to a significant reduction in profit margins, leaving many struggling to keep their businesses afloat.
The impact is equally devastating for consumers, many of whom have criticized the government for failing to provide relief. “Our household budget is already stretched, and now we have to pay more for basic items. The government must intervene to control prices,” said a shopper at a Lahore market.
According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on October 18, the weekly inflation rate, measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), recorded a 0.28 percent increase for the week ending October 17.
The rise in the SPI highlights the ongoing challenges faced by ordinary citizens in coping with the persistent inflationary pressures.
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