Commodity prices remain unchanged despite cut in fuel rates

KARACHI: Prices of vegetables, fruits and other daily-use items have not come down in open markets and wholesale bazaars despite a reduction in petrol and diesel rates, according to a report.

The administration’s announcement regarding lower transport fares also did not translate into relief for consumers, as rates of essential commodities remained largely unchanged.

In the open market, chicken was being sold at Rs650 per kilogram, while eggs were available at Rs240 per dozen. Beef was priced at Rs1,500 per kilogram and mutton was being sold between Rs2,400 and Rs2,500 per kilogram.

Dairy prices also remained high, with milk available at Rs220 per litre and yoghurt at Rs240 per kilogram.

Pulses and grocery items

Among pulses and grocery products, white chickpeas were being sold at Rs430 per kilogram, gram pulse at Rs390 per kilogram and mash pulse at Rs600 per kilogram. Cooking oil was priced at Rs510 per kilogram, while sugar was available at Rs160 per kilogram.

The report indicated that these rates continued in the market despite the decline in fuel prices, which had raised expectations of a reduction in transportation-linked costs.

Vegetable and fruit rates

Vegetable prices in the market included potatoes at Rs40 to Rs50 per kilogram, onions at Rs90 to Rs100 per kilogram and tomatoes at Rs100 per kilogram. Peas were being sold at Rs120 per kilogram, while lemons were priced at Rs200 per kilogram.

Bitter gourd was available at Rs140 per kilogram and carrots at Rs100 per kilogram. Ginger was being sold between Rs350 and Rs400 per kilogram. Local garlic was priced at Rs300 per kilogram, while Chinese garlic was available at Rs500 per kilogram.

Capsicum was being sold at Rs160 per kilogram and okra at Rs300 per kilogram.

Fruit prices also remained elevated. Apples were available between Rs300 and Rs400 per kilogram, bananas at Rs200 to Rs250 per dozen and oranges at Rs300 to Rs500 per dozen. Pomegranates were being sold at Rs700 per kilogram, while grapes were priced between Rs600 and Rs640 per kilogram.

The report highlighted that, despite lower fuel costs and the announcement of reduced transport fares, consumers had yet to see any corresponding decrease in the prices of food items and other essentials in the market.