Home TRENDING INFLATION IS STILL A PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS.

INFLATION IS STILL A PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS.

INFLATION IS STILL A PROBLEM FOR CONSUMERS.

SHARE

Transporters, wholesalers, and merchants in RAWALPINDI have refused to lower their rates in response to the public’s demand for a reduction in response to the recent reduction in fuel costs.

DESIGN: MOHSIN ALAM

Ginger was selling for Rs1,600 per kilogramme when budget-conscious shoppers visited the Rawalpindi market on a Sunday, Community Chowk.

Meanwhile, intra- and intercity carriers have rejected the lower gasoline prices as “cumin seed in a camel’s mouth,” refusing to lower their fees.

After being raised for two months, the price of gasoline dropped on Saturday night, to Rs323.38 a litre.

High-speed diesel (HSD) prices fell by Rs11 per litre, to Rs318.18.

Troubles with Transportation

Local transport association leader Raja Nazir referred to the price cut as “a joke” and said that the Rs60 ticket for intra-city travel would not change.

Rawalpindi to Islamabad would continue to cost Rs130. There is a R80 fare from Raja Bazar to Committee Chowk. From Raja Bazar to Morgah or Koh-e-Noor mills to Kutcherry, the fare would be Rs100.

Metro Bus has also resolved to keep its fare for riders at Rs50.

Drivers have defended the price hikes, saying they are necessary due to the dramatic rise in the cost of replacement parts.

To replace the tyres on a popular Toyota Hiace 16 months ago would cost Rs78,000. The current price, according to Nazir, is Rs148,000.

Others noted that many components, including as brake discs, engine oil, and leather, had seen significant price increases. According to them, the price of motor oil has increased from Rs2,400 to Rs6,800. The price of a Toyota engine, which used to be Rs400,000, is now over three times that amount.

Until gas and diesel costs dropped closer to Rs200 per litre, drivers indicated they would not lower charges. Even if passengers complained, train companies have maintained their previous prices.

It costs between Rs2,700 and Rs3,000 to get from Rawalpindi to Lahore by taxi. The current rate from Rawalpindi to Karachi is between Rs 6,700 and Rs 7,000.

From Rawalpindi to Multan, the ticket is around Rs2,900 to Rs3,000.

Food cost

As Pakistan’s inflation soars to new heights, the cost of necessities like food and water has followed suit.

Onions were available for Rs120 per kg, while ginger cost Rs1,600 per kg, at the Sunday market.

Cabbage was Rs135 per kilogramme, while potatoes and tomatoes cost Rs100. The going rate for garlic was Rs560 per kilogramme, while green chilies and bitter gourd went for Rs110 and Rs120 per kilogramme, respectively.

The price of fruits also increased. Apples were selling for Rs300 per kg, pomegranates for Rs350 per kg, and grapes for Rs300 per kg at the supermarket. There was little room for price negotiation, and no discounts were offered.

While at the Sunday Market, Muhammad Israr complained about how inflation had severely impacted his ability to make ends meet.

Another customer named Khadija Bibi expressed frustration with the apparent indifference of the ruling authorities to this devastating inflation.

SHARE