Peshawar Market Sees Mixed Price Trends for Daily Essentials

PESHAWAR: The retail market in Peshawar is currently experiencing a mixed trend in the prices of daily-use items, including vegetables, pulses, live chicken, meat, flour, and sugar. This situation has been highlighted in a recent weekly survey, which reveals that the prices of essential commodities continue to rise, posing significant challenges for poverty-stricken families trying to make ends meet.

According to the survey, the price of live chicken has reached Rs475 per kilogram. Additionally, a dozen farm eggs are being sold for Rs300, while hen eggs are priced at Rs500 per dozen. Shopkeepers and dealers have attributed these soaring prices to the export of chicken to Afghanistan and the increasing costs of fodder. The price of cow meat remains high as well, with one kilogram of boneless cow meat selling for Rs1300 and meat with bones priced at Rs900 per kilogram. Mutton prices have also surged, with rates ranging from Rs2400 to Rs2500 per kilogram in the open market.

Interestingly, the price of tomatoes has remained stable at Rs100 per kilogram, while onions are available for Rs180 per kilogram. Other essential items such as ginger and garlic are priced at Rs800 and Rs400 to Rs600 per kilogram, respectively. Green chilies are being sold for Rs120 to Rs150 per kilogram, and the prices of various vegetables continue to be alarmingly high. For instance, peas are priced between Rs300 and Rs400 per kilogram, capsicum at Rs150 per kilogram, and ladyfinger at Rs80 per kilogram.

In terms of staple foods, the price of flour has not changed, with a 20-kilogram sack of fine flour selling for Rs2200 to Rs2300, while brown flour is priced at Rs1800 to Rs1900. Other wheat flour products, including maida, soji, and choker flour, also remain expensive. The survey indicates that good quality rice (sela) is available at Rs270 per kilogram, while lower quality rice is priced at Rs250 per kilogram. Tota rice can be found for Rs180 to Rs200 per kilogram.

Furthermore, various types of lentils are also seeing high prices. For example, dal mash is available at Rs550 per kilogram, dal masoor at Rs320 per kilogram, and dal chilka (both black and green) priced at Rs320 and Rs260 per kilogram, respectively. Other lentils like moong, dhoti dal, and dal channa are priced between Rs260 and Rs360 per kilogram. The price of gram flour (baisen) stands at Rs280 per kilogram, while white channa varies from Rs300 to Rs360 per kilogram based on size.

This mixed trend in prices reflects the ongoing economic challenges faced by many households in Peshawar. As prices continue to fluctuate, it is crucial for consumers to stay informed and make wise purchasing decisions. The rising costs of essential items not only strain family budgets but also highlight the need for effective measures to stabilize prices and ensure that basic necessities remain accessible to all. In these trying times, community support and awareness can play a vital role in helping families navigate the complexities of daily life.