ISLAMABAD: Prices of essential kitchen items showed a mixed trend this past week compared to the previous one, according to a survey conducted by Business Recorder on Saturday.
The survey noted a reduction in sugar prices, which fell from Rs7,350 to Rs7,200 per 50 kg bag in wholesale markets. In retail, sugar is being sold between Rs145–170 per kg, compared to Rs155–170 previously. Wheat flour prices remained stable, with wholesale rates at Rs1,970 per 15 kg bag and retail prices at Rs2,050 per 15 kg bag.
No changes were observed in Roti, Naan, and Paratha prices, which tandoor owners had increased two weeks ago without justification. Roti is being sold at Rs25 (previously Rs20), Naan at Rs30 (previously Rs25), and Paratha at Rs60 (previously Rs50). Bakery and confectionery items also remained unchanged: normal-sized bread is Rs150 (up from Rs140), small-sized bread Rs110, and family-sized bread Rs210.
Chicken prices remained stable at Rs12,000 per 40 kg in wholesale markets, while retail prices are Rs340–350 per kg. Chicken meat is available at Rs488–550 per kg depending on the area. Egg prices dropped from Rs7,200 to Rs6,600 per carton (30 dozen) in wholesale markets, while retail prices fell to Rs240–250 per dozen from Rs270–290. Mutton and beef prices remained steady, with normal-quality mutton at Rs2,400 per kg and premium quality at Rs2,700–2,800. Boneless beef is Rs1,500 per kg, while mixed beef is Rs1,300 per kg. Fish prices declined, with varieties now available at Rs450–800 per kg compared to Rs600–1,000 earlier.
Ghee and cooking oil prices remained unchanged. B-grade ghee/oil is Rs6,250 per carton of 16 packs in wholesale markets, retailing at Rs410 per 900-gram pack. Premium brands such as Dalda remained stable at Rs2,820 per 5 kg tin, retailing at Rs2,900 per 5-litre bottle.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices showed no official change, with OGRA setting the rate at Rs225 per kg. However, retailers continue to sell LPG at Rs330–350 per kg. A domestic cylinder (15 kg) is being sold at Rs4,700 against the official Rs3,390, reflecting overcharging of Rs1,310 per cylinder. Authorities, including OGRA and local administrations, have failed to enforce official rates, leaving consumers burdened with inflated prices.
Rice prices remained stable. Top-quality new basmati rice is Rs11,900 per 40 kg bag in wholesale markets, retailing at Rs340 per kg. Normal-quality basmati is Rs10,300 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs300 per kg. Broken basmati is Rs7,700 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs230 per kg. Lower-quality basmati ranges between Rs5,000–5,900 per 40 kg bag, retailing at Rs140–180 per kg.
Tea prices were unchanged: Lipton Yellow Label at Rs2,000 per 900-gram pack and Islamabad Tea at Rs1,700 per kg. Turmeric powder remained Rs530 per kg wholesale, retailing at Rs700–1,000, while red chilli powder stayed at Rs550 wholesale, retailing at Rs700–850.
Cooked food prices also remained stable: dal/vegetable plate Rs320, beef plate Rs550, chicken plate Rs500, mutton plate Rs750, naan/roti Rs25–30, and tea Rs70–100 per cup.
Branded spices such as Shan and National remained at Rs150 per 39-gram pack.
Pulse prices were steady: maash pulse Rs12,800 per 40 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs400–460 per kg; gram pulse Rs8,000 per 40 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs240–250 per kg; whole gram pulse Rs9,500 wholesale, retailing at Rs280–300 per kg; moong pulse Rs360 per kg; masoor pulse Rs260 per kg; and bean lentils Rs400–500 per kg.
Packed milk prices showed mixed trends. A carton of 1-litre packs is Rs4,000 wholesale, retailing at Rs360 per litre. The price of 250 ml cartons rose from Rs2,450 to Rs2,500, retailing at Rs100 each. Fresh milk is Rs240–250 per litre depending on the area, while yogurt remains Rs250 per kg. Powdered milk prices (Nido, Lactogen) were unchanged: Nido 400 grams at Rs1,350 and 200 grams at Rs750.
Bathing soap prices remained stable: Safeguard Rs165 per pack, Dettol/Lux/Palmolive Rs180 per pack. Detergents such as Ariel, Surf, and Brite remained Rs580 per kg pack. Soft drinks (Pepsi, Coke, Miranda) stayed at Rs230 per family-size bottle.
Vegetable prices showed mixed trends. Potatoes fell to Rs950–1,150 per quintal wholesale, retailing at Rs40–60 per kg against the official Rs17–22. Onions remained Rs2,000–4,500 per quintal wholesale, retailing at Rs45–70 per kg against the official Rs33–58. Tomatoes stayed at Rs850 per 15 kg basket wholesale, retailing at Rs90–110 per kg against the official Rs61–88.
Ginger remained Rs1,000–1,100 per 5 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs350–400 per kg against the official Rs220–292. Local garlic was Rs700 per 5 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs250–330 per kg against the official Rs187–220. Quetta garlic was Rs1,200 per 5 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs300–350 per kg against the official Rs253–297. Chinese garlic fell from Rs2,100 to Rs2,050 per 5 kg wholesale, retailing at Rs550–600 per kg against the official Rs484–517. Vendors were reportedly mislabeling local garlic as Chinese or Quetta to maximize profits.
Other vegetables such as capsicum, pumpkins, tinda, eggplant, cauliflower, cabbage, beans, peas, okra, carrots, and bitter gourd remained stable, though retail prices continued to exceed official rates.
Fruit prices showed an upward trend. Bananas rose to Rs150–300 per dozen from Rs100–250. Apples ranged Rs200–500 per kg, with white apples cheapest at Rs200 and Iranian Kalakilo apples at Rs500. Guavas were Rs100–180 per kg, oranges Rs150–400 per dozen, grapes Rs400–700 per kg, and papaya Rs350–400 per kg.
The official price list, prepared in consultation with stakeholders, allows profit margins of Rs10–20 per kg in wholesale markets, Rs15–30 in most parts of the city, and Rs20–40 in upscale areas. However, vendors and shopkeepers continue to ignore official rates.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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