Prices of ghee and edible oils in Pakistan are likely to climb sharply, with an expected increase of Rs100 to Rs150 per kilogram, industry sources said on Sunday. The rise is being linked to growing production and transportation costs.
The Pakistan Banaspati Manufacturers Association (PBMA) stated that the recent surge in petroleum prices has significantly increased the operating costs of ghee and cooking oil mills across the country. Higher fuel rates have made transportation and manufacturing more expensive, putting pressure on profit margins and raising concerns about supply.
PBMA representatives warned that if these additional costs are passed on to consumers, ghee and refined oils could become some of the most expensive basic food items during the current phase of inflation. They called on the government to set up a special committee to find ways to ease the burden on the public.
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Pakistan has seen record increases in fuel prices in recent weeks, largely due to fluctuations in the global oil market. This has added to inflation across various sectors, especially food and transportation.
In cities like Quetta, wholesale markets have already reported noticeable increases in the prices of edible oil and ghee, making it harder for households to manage their expenses.
Retail markets in Islamabad and other major cities are also showing a steady rise in the prices of essential kitchen items following the recent hike in energy costs.