Peshawar is witnessing a sharp rise in the prices of essential food items as the second fast of Ramadan is observed.
The cost of gram flour (besan) and rice, widely used in Iftar preparations, has increased by Rs 20 to Rs 50 per kilogram.
Ramadan Price Hike in Peshawar
| Item | Previous Price (Rs per kg) | New Price (Rs per kg) | Increase (Rs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gram Flour (Besan) | 175 | 190 | 15 |
| Rice | 265 | 280 | 15 |
| Red Kidney Beans | 370 | 430 | 60 |
| Sugar | 130 | 160 | 30 |
As Ramadan begins, inflation continues to hit hard across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), making it increasingly difficult for citizens to afford essential food items. Prices of staple goods, particularly those used in Sehri and Iftar, have surged, putting extra financial pressure on households already struggling with rising living costs.
Market reports from Peshawar and other major cities in KP indicate sharp increases in the prices of flour, sugar, rice, pulses, fruits, and cooking oil. In Peshawar, gram flour (besan), rice, and sugar have witnessed a price hike of up to Rs 50 per kilogram, while the cost of red kidney beans has surged by Rs 60 per kg. Similarly, the prices of vegetables and fruits, essential for Iftar, have risen significantly.
Traders attribute this inflation to multiple factors, including supply chain disruptions, increased transportation costs, market hoarding and profiteering and a weakened currency.
Despite government efforts to regulate prices through Ramadan relief packages and price control committees, many residents claim that official price lists are not being enforced in local markets. Consumers are calling for stricter action against hoarders and profiteers to curb the price surge and provide relief during the holy month.
