Islamabad, March 12 (NationPress) In major urban areas of Pakistan, retailers have increased the prices of confectionery and essential daily items, including fresh fruits, attributing this surge to the recent spike in fuel prices. Interestingly, many shops are still selling their existing inventory, acquired at previous prices, as reported by local media on Thursday. This situation has sparked considerable concern among consumers.

Residents have observed that shopkeepers began demanding higher prices for frequently purchased items such as noodles, toothpaste, biscuits, clothing, and locally-made chocolates immediately following the government's hike in petrol and diesel prices by PKR 55 per litre on March 7, according to Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn.

Wafa Abbas, an Islamabad local, remarked, "When we tried to buy basic goods, we found that the prices of every item had risen by PKR 10." Residents noted that shopkeepers have increased prices even though the products currently available were part of earlier purchases. Meanwhile, retailers have stated that the rise in distribution and transportation costs has compelled them to raise their prices.

Ghulam Ullah, a shopkeeper from Aabpara Market, explained, "We face inventory losses when prices are lowered; thus, maintaining the balance is essential." He criticized the government for not providing prior notice to traders about the price increases, which would have allowed them to manage their stocks accordingly.

Saleem Pervaiz Butt, Chairman of the Rawalpindi Association, indicated that the cost of pulses has gone up by PKR 15 to PKR 20 per kilogram after wholesale dealers and transporters increased their charges.

Traders have warned that further price adjustments for packaged foods and confectionery could occur if fuel prices continue to rise. Many confectionery producers and distributors are still evaluating their pricing strategies and are expected to formally announce adjusted rates following the fuel price increase, as reported by Dawn, citing market sources.

Despite sufficient supply, prices for fresh produce, especially tomatoes and chilies, have escalated, with various markets in Islamabad exhibiting inconsistent pricing. Shopkeepers have attributed the elevated prices to the wholesale market and commission agents.

Following the outbreak of the Iran war, petrol and diesel prices in Pakistan have surged by nearly PKR 55 per litre, reflecting the country's ongoing energy import challenges, according to a report from the Karachi-based Business Recorder. As global oil prices rise and shipping costs increase due to war-related premiums and security risks, Pakistan is left with little choice but to transfer these costs to consumers. However, the unsettling reality is that this PKR 55 per litre hike may merely mark the beginning of further increases, as highlighted in the report.