Increase in prices of ghee and cooking oil in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD: The rise in prices of edible oil and ghee here on Tuesday hit consumers as well as small traders.

Small businesses, especially food and beverage businesses, are feeling the heat amid rising commodity prices.

In November, the price of cooking oil rose to Rs 560 from Rs 530, recording an increase of Rs 30, while the price of ghee rose to Rs 550.

Rising inflation is troubling hotel, restaurant and food truck owners as they say the rise in ghee and cooking oil prices is making it impossible to run their businesses.

Inflation has dealt a severe blow to their sales as the rise in food prices has hit consumers’ pockets hard and people are forced to cut back on their spending.

Small traders said their costs have doubled while profit margins have shrunk.

The continued rise in prices of basic commodities is also putting financial pressure on households.

Already troubled by rising inflation, the rise in prices of ghee and cooking oil is adding to the rise in prices of basic necessities, including food items.

Aggrieved consumers said that the government has failed to provide any relief to the people.

On October 18, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) reported that weekly inflation, as measured by the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), rose 0.28 percent for general consumption groups during the week ending October 17. went