Summary Consumers across Pakistan are facing higher LPG, flour, chicken, meat and milk prices, while wheat shortages in Balochistan have pushed flour bag prices above Rs8,000 in several districts.
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Consumers across Pakistan are facing rising living costs as prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), flour, pulses, chicken, meat and milk have climbed in several major cities, putting further pressure on household budgets.
According to market reports, LPG prices have reached Rs600 per kilogramme in several urban centres, including Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and Quetta. The price of a domestic LPG cylinder has reportedly risen to Rs7,000.
In Lahore, the notified LPG price stands at Rs280 per kilogramme, while retailers are reportedly charging around Rs550, widening the gap between the official rate and the prevailing market price.
The increase has raised concerns about price monitoring and enforcement, particularly for households that rely on LPG for cooking where piped natural gas is unavailable or unreliable.
Chicken prices have also risen sharply in Karachi, reaching around Rs750 per kilogramme, according to the reported market rates.
Wheat flour has become more expensive in Karachi and Lahore, where the price has reportedly reached Rs190 per kilogramme. In Quetta, a 20-kilogramme flour bag is being sold for Rs3,330.
The situation is particularly concerning in Balochistan, where a reported shortage of wheat has pushed flour prices considerably higher in several districts.
In Khuzdar, Chagai, Washuk and Kech, among other areas, the price of a 50-kilogramme flour bag has reportedly exceeded Rs8,000.
The reported shortage has raised questions about the provincial government's wheat procurement arrangements. Despite approval from the provincial cabinet, wheat purchases had yet to progress as planned.
According to sources cited in the report, the Balochistan government intended to procure 575,000 bags of wheat. However, procurement had reportedly remained below 100,000 bags, adding to concerns about supply availability.
The shortfall could place additional pressure on flour supplies and prices, particularly in districts already experiencing shortages. The extent of the impact will depend on procurement progress, the movement of wheat stocks and the effectiveness of distribution arrangements.
Quetta has also witnessed increases in the prices of vegetables, meat and milk, with reported rises reaching as much as 20 per cent.
The latest price increases are adding to the financial difficulties of households already struggling to manage essential expenses. Higher food prices disproportionately affect low-income families, which spend a substantial share of their earnings on basic necessities.
Rising LPG costs can also increase the expenses of small food businesses, potentially pushing up prices for prepared meals and other everyday services.
The reported figures highlight the need for effective market monitoring, transparent pricing information and timely action against overcharging where violations are established.
Authorities will also need to address supply-side problems, particularly wheat procurement and distribution in Balochistan, to prevent shortages from translating into further price increases.
However, the reported prices vary by location and may change with supply conditions. Official notifications and market surveys would be needed to establish the extent of overpricing and determine whether retailers are violating applicable price controls.
