Fuel Price Surge Drives Food Costs to Record Highs in Rawalpindi

RAWALPINDI: Soaring fuel prices over recent days have triggered sharp increases in the cost of essential food items, with residents reporting significant strain on household budgets.

Locals say the administration has failed to intervene as daily fuel price adjustments continue to push edible prices higher across the garrison city.

Tomatoes are now selling for Rs500 per kg, onions at Rs120 per kg, and cucumbers at Rs300 per kg. Pulse prices have risen by five percent at retail outlets, while milk costs Rs260 per litre and curd Rs280 per kg.

“It’s becoming increasingly difficult to manage electricity bills while also affording basic necessities,” said a local resident.

Tomatoes hit Rs500 per kg as residents complain of unchecked inflation

Residents struggle to make ends meet as vegetable and pulse prices climb without government oversight, according to Abdul Rehman from Dhoke Khaba.

Faiz Ahmed of Sadiqabad noted that rising tomato costs have forced many families to rely on bread and tea for their main meals.

“Pulse prices have also jumped significantly—white urad dal now sells for Rs700 per kg, and wheat flour costs Rs2,000 per 10kg bag, despite government claims of price reductions,” he said.

Ibrar Khan from Ch. Bostan Khan Road highlighted that low-income earners can no longer afford meat or chicken, with mutton priced at Rs3,200 per kg and beef at Rs1,800 per kg.

“We’ve had to settle for lower-quality pulses and vegetables. A single vegetable-only meal now costs around Rs1,000,” he explained.

Rawalpindi Karyana Merchant Association Chairman Saleem Pervaiz Butt attributed the price hikes to new sales tax on vegetable oil, which has raised its cost to Rs3,000 per five-kg pack.

“Wholesalers have increased pulse and wheat flour prices, and we’re purchasing at higher rates from wholesale markets. It’s impossible to sell at reduced prices,” he said.

He added that pulse prices rose five percent due to increased transportation costs from warehouses to retail stores.

“While the Punjab government has instructed price magistrates to impose heavy fines on shopkeepers, they haven’t updated official price lists based on current market conditions,” he noted.

“Fewer customers are visiting markets due to rising food costs, creating challenges for both consumers and retailers,” he observed.

He called on the district administration to revise official pricing in consultation with merchants and wholesalers, and to initiate price control measures at wholesale markets.

Rawalpindi Fruit and Vegetable Association President Ghulam Qadir Mir confirmed current rates: tomatoes at Rs500 per kg, cucumbers at Rs300 per kg, onions at Rs120 per kg, potatoes at Rs80 per kg, and other vegetables exceeding Rs150 per kg.

“The primary driver is fuel price volatility—transporters now adjust charges daily rather than weekly or monthly as before,” he explained.

He also cited supply shortages following the closure of the Afghan border, which previously provided seasonal produce during monsoons.

“It’s the administration’s duty to convene wholesale dealers and address supply gaps, but they’ve neglected this responsibility,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2026

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