Inflation Demon Unleashed Ahead of Ramadan!

Islamabad (5 February 2026): Ahead of Ramadan, Pakistan is witnessing a sharp surge in the prices of everyday commodities, leaving consumers struggling to cope. The sudden rise has affected vegetables, fruits, cooking essentials, and even bakery items, putting additional pressure on household budgets.

According to the news, the cost of daily essentials has escalated sharply in the past few days. Tomatoes, potatoes, gram flour, cooking oil, and ghee have all seen notable price hikes. Market sources report that rising demand and limited supply have pushed prices beyond control just weeks before Ramadan.

In Islamabad, the price of tomatoes jumped from 80 PKR per kilogram to 120 PKR in only four days. Potatoes have also become more expensive, now selling at 50 PKR per kilogram, up from 40 PKR. Similarly, the price of gram flour has increased from 320 PKR to 350 PKR per kilogram.

Cooking oil and ghee have not been spared either. First-grade oil and ghee are now priced at 600 PKR per kilogram, compared to 580 PKR earlier. Third-grade oil and ghee have risen from 510 PKR to 530 PKR. These increases have affected households across the capital and surrounding cities.

Bread, naan, and parathas have also seen a sudden price increase. Plain bread and naan are now 25 PKR each, up from 20 PKR. Yeast naan costs 30 PKR, while kulcha costs 35 PKR. Tandoori paratha and oily naan have surged to 60 PKR, up from 50 PKR.

Hotel and restaurant items are also more expensive. A cup of tea now costs 70 PKR, compared to 60 PKR previously. Local brown eggs have increased from 470 PKR to 500 PKR per dozen. Fruits such as apples and bananas have also become costlier, with third-grade apples now 200 PKR per kilogram and bananas 180 PKR per dozen.

Experts warn that if the prices continue to rise, ordinary consumers may face severe difficulties during Ramadan. Authorities are urged to closely monitor markets and take measures to stabilize prices before the holy month begins.

Sehar Sarmad