Retailers in Islamabad raise prices of daily goods following fuel hike

ISLAMABAD: Retailers across Islamabad and Rawalpindi have increased the prices of everyday goods, including confectioneries and fresh fruits, in response to the recent surge in petroleum prices. This move has led to widespread complaints from consumers, who report that higher prices are being charged for products that were stocked before the fuel price hike.

According to residents, the price increase was implemented immediately after the government raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs55 per litre on Saturday night. Items such as biscuits, noodles, toothpaste, clothes, and locally-produced chocolates saw price hikes as soon as the new fuel rates were announced.

Wafa Abbas, a resident of Margalla Town in Islamabad, shared her experience, stating, “When we went to buy basic items from a shop, we came to know that prices of every item had been increased by Rs10.”

Consumers have expressed frustration that revised prices are being applied to goods that were purchased by retailers at older, lower rates. Many shoppers argue that the price hike is unjustified for existing stock and places an additional burden on households already coping with inflation.

Shopkeepers, however, have defended the move, attributing the price increases to higher transport and distribution costs resulting from the fuel price adjustment. They maintain that the rise in operational expenses leaves them with little choice but to pass on the additional costs to consumers.

The immediate implementation of new prices, even on previously acquired stock, has intensified concerns among residents about the impact of fluctuating fuel costs on the prices of essential commodities. Many are calling for regulatory oversight to ensure fair pricing practices in the retail sector.