A new wave of inflation across the country has further added to the woes of domestic consumers, where cooking oil prices have recorded a significant increase. According to the latest market data, the price of cooking oil per litre has increased by Rs 60 in just one week, after which the price at the retail level has increased to Rs 550 per litre.
According to traders and shopkeepers, the same cooking oil was being sold for Rs 490 per litre till a few days ago; however, due to a shortage in supply, an increase in import cost and an increase in demand, there was a sudden increase in prices. After the increase in wholesale rates in the markets, consumers are having to buy at high prices at the retail level as well.
Domestic consumers say that basic food items, including flour, sugar, pulses and vegetables, have already become expensive; in such a situation, the increase in cooking oil prices is making daily expenses more burdensome. It is becoming increasingly difficult for the middle and low-income classes to manage the kitchen budget, and the cost of cooking at home has increased significantly.
Experts say that a large part of edible oil is imported in Pakistan, so price fluctuations in the global market, depreciation of the rupee against the dollar and increases in shipping costs directly affect the local market. These reasons are causing price increases at the local level.
On the other hand, citizens have demanded that the government take immediate steps to control the prices of essential commodities and take strict action against hoarding and profiteering so that the common man gets relief. The public says that if this situation continues, it will become more difficult to bear the burden of inflation.
