PESHAWAR: The people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are once again facing a significant hike in prices of basic commodities such as sugar and flour.
The cost of sugar has surged by Rs. 30 per kilogram, reaching up to Rs. 150 per kilogram. Moreover, utility stores in Peshawar have run out of stock, causing inconvenience for consumers. However, in some locations, consumers are still able to purchase the commodity at inflated rates from stores.
Furthermore, at the retail level, sugar has reached an alarming price of Rs. 150 per kilogram. Several traders have taken matters into their own hands by fixing higher rates for sugar as there is no mechanism in place to enforce government-set prices.
Over the course of a few days, the price of sugar has witnessed a Rs. 30 increase per kilogram, surpassing Rs. 6,000 for a 50-kilogram bag. This continuous surge in prices has also resulted in a subsequent rise in the prices of goods made with sugar.
On the other hand, alongside the increase in sugar prices, the cost of flour has also risen . The price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour has exceeded Rs. 3,100, after a substantial increase of Rs. 100. The local administration’s attempts to control the price hikes in essential commodities have proven unsuccessful, causing hardships for consumers.
According to district authorities, various markets are being raided on a daily basis, where additional charges are being levied above the government-stipulated rates. The offending traders are being penalised for their actions. The rising prices of sugar and flour have put immense strain on the residents of Peshawar, leading to concerns about affordability and access to essential food items. The local administration is under pressure to find effective solutions to mitigate the ongoing crisis and provide relief to the citizens affected by the skyrocketing prices.
