ISLAMABAD: Following an increase in petroleum product rates, the prices of essential kitchen items have shown an upward trend during the last week compared to the previous week, a survey conducted by Business Recorder revealed on Saturday.
Chicken prices increased from Rs 11,800 to Rs 13,300 per 40kg in the wholesale market, while in retail chicken is being sold at Rs360–380 per kg against Rs335–345 per kg previously. Chicken meat is available in the range of Rs550–630 per kg compared to Rs488–550 per kg earlier, varying from area to area.
Egg prices declined from Rs 6,200 to Rs 5,600 per carton (30 dozen) in the wholesale market, while in retail eggs are being sold at Rs220–230 per dozen against Rs240–250 previously.
Meat prices have also increased as butchers have unilaterally raised mutton prices by Rs200–300 per kg and beef prices by Rs100–150 per kg. With this increase, the price of normal quality mutton has jumped from Rs 2,400 to Rs 2,600–2,700 per kg, while premium quality mutton increased from Rs 2,700–2,800 to Rs 2,800–3,000 per kg.
The price of boneless beef increased from Rs 1,500 to Rs 1,650 per kg, while mixed beef rose from Rs 1,300 to Rs 1,400 per kg.
Prices of various varieties of fish remained unchanged, with fish available in the range of Rs450–800 per kg.
The survey noted no change in sugar prices, which remained stable at Rs 7,350 per 50kg bag in wholesale markets, while in retail sugar is being sold in the range of Rs155–170 per kg.
Wheat flour prices witnessed a slight reduction, declining in the wholesale market from Rs 1,900 to Rs 1,830 per 15kg bag, while in retail it is being sold at Rs 1,850–1,880 compared to Rs 1,950 per 15kg bag previously. No changes were observed in roti, naan, and paratha prices, which tandoor owners had increased three weeks ago. Roti is being sold at Rs25 against Rs20 previously, naan at Rs30 against Rs25, and paratha at Rs60 against Rs50. No changes were observed in bakery and confectionery items. Normal-sized bread is available at Rs150 against Rs140 previously, small-sized bread at Rs110, and family-sized bread at Rs210.
Ghee and cooking oil prices increased slightly as B-grade ghee/oil is available at Rs 6,350 per carton of 16 packs in the wholesale market against Rs 6,250 previously, while in retail it is being sold at Rs410 per 900-gram pack. However, leading brands such as Dalda ghee remained stable at Rs 2,820 per 5kg tin, which is being sold in retail at around Rs 2,900 per 5-litre bottle.
The price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) witnessed no change in the official rate, as the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has set the price at Rs225 per kg. However, retailers are selling LPG in the range of Rs330–350 per kg, while a 15kg domestic cylinder is being sold at Rs 4,700 against the official price of Rs 3,390, reflecting an overcharging of Rs 1,310 per cylinder.
According to market sources, marketing companies, distributors, and retailers are overcharging by Rs130–150 per kg, while relevant authorities including commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners, and other officials have failed to effectively monitor markets and enforce official rates, forcing consumers to pay higher prices.
Rice prices also witnessed an increase. The rate of top-quality new basmati rice rose from Rs 11,900 to Rs 12,500 per 40kg bag, which in retail is being sold at Rs360 per kg against Rs340 previously. Normal-quality basmati increased from Rs 10,300 to Rs 11,000 per 40kg bag, retailing at Rs320 against Rs300 per kg. Broken basmati rice increased from Rs 7,700 to Rs 8,300 per 40kg bag, retailing at Rs250 against Rs230 per kg. Lower-quality basmati rose from Rs 5,000–5,900 to Rs 6,000–6,500 per 40kg bag, retailing in the range of Rs150–200 per kg against Rs140–180 previously.
Tea prices remained stable. Lipton Yellow Label is available at Rs 2,000 per 900-gram pack, while Islamabad Tea is available at Rs 1,700 per kg.
However, turmeric powder and red chilli powder prices increased sharply. Turmeric rose from Rs530 to Rs700 per kg in the wholesale market, while retailers are selling it in the range of Rs900–1,100 per kg against Rs700–1,000 previously. Red chilli powder increased from Rs550 to Rs750 per kg, retailing at Rs950–1,200 compared to Rs700–850 previously.
Prices of cooked food items remained stable. A cooked dal or vegetable plate at a normal hotel is available at Rs320, a beef plate at Rs550, chicken plate at Rs500, mutton plate at Rs750, while tea is being sold at Rs70–100 per cup.
No changes were observed in the prices of branded spices such as Shan and National, which are available at Rs150 per 39-gram pack.
According to traders, pulse prices also increased. Mash pulse rose from Rs 13,800 to Rs 14,300 per 40kg, retailing at Rs430–480 per kg against Rs400–460 previously. Gram pulse increased from Rs 8,500 to Rs 9,000 per 40kg, retailing at Rs240–250 against Rs220–230 per kg.
Similarly, bean lentils increased from Rs 14,000–17,000 to Rs 15,000–18,000 per 40kg, retailing at Rs430–550 per kg against Rs400–500 previously. Moong pulse increased from Rs 12,000 to Rs 12,500 per 40kg, retailing at around Rs350 per kg, while masoor pulse rose from Rs 8,400 to Rs 9,000 per 40kg, retailing at Rs250 against Rs240 per kg.
Packed milk brands such as Milk Pak and Olpers remained unchanged, with a carton of one-litre packs available at Rs 4,000, while in retail a one-litre pack costs Rs360. A carton of 250ml packs remained stable at Rs 2,500, retailing at Rs100 per pack. Fresh milk in some parts of the twin cities is being sold at Rs250 per litre, while in other areas it is still available at Rs240 per litre. Yogurt price remained stable at Rs250 per kg. Prices of powdered milk brands such as Nido and Lactogen also remained stable. A 400-gram pack of Nido is available at Rs 1,350, while a 200-gram pack costs Rs750.
Bathing soap prices also remained stable. Safeguard is available at Rs165 per bar, while Dettol, Lux, Palmolive and other brands are available at around Rs180 per bar. Detergent brands such as Ariel, Surf, Brite, and Express Power remained stable at around Rs580 per kg pack.
Soft drink prices also remained stable, with brands such as Pepsi, Coca-Cola and Mirinda available at Rs230 per family-size bottle.
Overall vegetable prices showed an increasing trend. Potato prices rose from Rs950–1,150 to Rs 1,100–1,300 per quintal, while retailers are selling potatoes in the range of Rs40–60 per kg against the government-fixed price of Rs19–24 per kg.
Onion prices increased from Rs 1,800–4,000 to Rs 3,000–6,000 per quintal, retailing at Rs60–90 per kg against Rs45–70 previously, while the official price is Rs43–74 per kg.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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